MUSC 602

MUSC 602
The History and Analysis of Western Art Music

1. Catalog Entry

MUSC 602
The History and Analysis of Western Art Music

Credit hours (3)

A review of the development of style in western art music from the Renaissance to the end of the Common Practice Period, including a review of research methods and tools needed for conducting historical and analytical research.

2. Detailed Description of Course

The content of this course involves the mastery of both a body of knowledge about music (history and theory) as well as a musical skill, aural comprehension, and the development of musical style in the western art music from the Renaissance to the end of the Common Practice Period. Research methods and tools needed for conducting historical and analytical research will also be surveyed.

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This course prepares students for advanced study in music at the graduate level by synthesizing three areas of music study: music theory, music history, aural comprehension, and research. It will proceed chronologically, exploring the most important aspects of musical style, form, and genre as they developed in western art music. The majority of class time will be spent analyzing music, both with and without musical scores; regular, at-home analysis assignments will be given as well. Students will learn to use research tools to locate information about music, as well as techniques and concepts related to music history and theory scholarship, for example how to locate manuscript sources, and how to determine the reliability of a primary source like a published musical score.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

Students will be able to:
   

1. Identify and articulate the effect of compositional choices on musical substance and form.
2. Explain the relationships between musical style, the historical-aesthetic context in which it appeared
3. Identify unknown works in terms of style, form, and/or historical period

5. Assessment Measures

A combination of Roman numeral and formal analysis of scores, written essays, and aural exams testing students on their perception of style and form. Written assignments on research tools will demonstrate student achievement in that area.

6. Other Course Information

Students will consult physical as well as digital sources

Review and Approval

May 11, 2015

May 13, 2024