MUSC 100
3 credits
Fundamentals of Music
Prerequisite(s): None
This course is for students with little or no music background. Through an active approach to note reading, singing, playing, listening, and musical experiences, students will learn the basic theory and fundamentals of rhythm, melody, harmony, and form. Attendance at two musical performances chosen from a list provided by the instructor is required.
MUSC 101
3 credits
Listening to Music
Prerequisite(s): None
This course introduces students to the perceptive and analytical skills required for listening to and describing music. It is intended for students wishing to pursue further music education from an established music, music education, or arts program. The course presents a series of sequential listening skills and their accompanying descriptive vocabulary. Rather than focusing on a specific set of repertoire, this course studies the musical concepts common to a variety of repertoires. Repertoire for the course will complement live performances being presented in the local area.
MUSC 150
3 credits
Introduction to Music History -- Music of the Twentieth Century
Prerequisite(s): None
This course introduces to students methods of analyzing musical genres and trends with a focus on major social, cultural, and political contexts for the music. Beginning at the twentieth century, we will examine the music of post-romantic, impressionist, expressionist, nationalist, popular, and experimental styles. Special attention will be given to important Canadian and American composers and performers and their musical responses to major events in North American history.
MUSC 199
3 credits
Ensemble Practicum
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor
This practicum course provides students an opportunity to learn the basic skills of music ensemble rehearsal and performance. The course involves listening skills, practical drills in rhythm and sight reading, and group preparation of exercises and selected repertoire. No specific music background is required; this course will accommodate learners of various ability, experience and interest. It normally will be offered as a choir ensemble. An interest in developing musical skills as part of an ensemble is required. There is no audition.
Note: Rehearsals take place during scheduled class time.
Note: This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different topics. This course may be repeated for credit provided the letter designation differs.
MUSC 201
3 credits
Music and Society I
Prerequisite(s): None. MUSC 100, MACS 110 or MACS 130 recommended.
Popular music is everywhere in our day-to-day lives, yet we seldom consider how it was made, what it means, and how it affects us. Scholars however have been thinking and writing about popular music for decades, sometimes praising it for its positive effects on society, sometimes condemning it. In this course, we’ll draw on different scholars’ ideas to reflect on the diverse social contexts in which people create and listen to popular music. Note: This course is offered as MACS 201 and MUSC 201. Students may take only one of these for credit.
MUSC 202
3 credits
Music and Society II
Prerequisite(s): None. MUSC 100 or MACS 201/MUSC 201 recommended
This course examines the social and political transformation of Western society from the seventeenth through the twenty-first centuries through the lens of its musical cultures. Topics include: major genres (concerto, sonata, opera, symphony, etc.) and conventional periods (baroque, classical, romantic, etc.); the emergence of the public sphere and the rise of the middle class; nationalism and colonialism; modern notions of gender and sexuality; the history of canon formation; classical music and popular music.
MUSC 203
3 credits
Literature in Music History
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 105 plus any other 100-level English course or 100-level Music course.
This course is designed for students with interests in music, music education, comparative literature, history, and religious studies. The focus is on music composed in western Europe for a variety of social settings from the cathedral to the drawing room, the opera house, and the concert hall. Students will listen to classical music as well as read works of literature for the purpose of understanding how they have influenced music history.
Note: This course is offered as MUSC 203 and ENGL 293. Students may take only one of these for credit.
MUSC 204
3 credits
Opera and Literature
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 105 plus any other 100-level English course or 100-level Music course.
This interdisciplinary course is designed for students with interests in comparative literature, music, music education, and drama. It will consider how operas reflect the social, political, and cultural transformation of Europe from the seventeenth to the twentieth century. Students will listen to and watch recorded opera performances and examine the literary, musical, dramatic, and social dimensions of the operatic form.
Note: This course is offered as MUSC 204 and ENGL 294. Students may take only one of these for credit.
MUSC 306
4 credits
History of Musical Theatre
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 201, THEA 202, or 45 university-level credits.
This course examines the development of musical theatre from the 18th century to the present, focusing on Broadway and London’s West End. Content may include analyses of individual musicals that have transformed the genre, an exploration of the place of musical theatre in popular culture, and an overview of Canadian musical theatre. Attendance at two musical theatre performances chosen from a list provided by the instructor is required.
Note: This course is offered as THEA 306 and MUSC 306. Students may take only one of these for credit.
