Music 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.

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.

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This course prepares students for advanced study in music at the graduate level by synthesizing three pillars of musicianship: music theory, music history, and aural comprehension. 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.

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.

6. Other Course Information

None

Review and Approval

May 11, 2015