General Information
          The purpose of the course is twofold: 

1. To present in a chronological survey representative serious musical works from throughout history.  Well- and lesser-known works from the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods and from various geographic locations will be discussed and analyzed for salient features which will form the basis for comparison with other works.

2. To provide a common language and analytical procedure which will allow for the appreciation of any musical example drawn from any historical and stylistic context. Specifically, the musical elements of texture, melody, harmony, rhythm, and form will be examined as means for listening to music. 

Class Attendance

A large amount of class time will be spent listening to and analyzing musical examples drawn from materials independent of the text and its examples.  Since this format will not easily allow for missed classes to be "made up" from notes or extra readings, regular class attendance is mandatory for proper mastery of the subject matter.  More than an occasional absence (to a maximum, perhaps, of four during the semester) will doubtless be reflected in the exam performance noted below. 

Five hourly exams will be given at roughly three-week intervals, with the four highest grades being taken for the semester average.  (All exams are of equal weight.) No make-up exams will be given, with any missed exam counted as the lowest grade dropped at the end of the semester.   Final grades will be assigned as follows:

A+/A/A- exam average from 100%-90%; completion of recital attendance and paper requirement

B+/B/B- exam average from   89%-80%; completion of recital attendance and paper requirement

C+/C/C- (or "S" on S/D/U system) exam average from 79%-70%; completion of recital attendance and paper requirement 

D+/D/D- exam average from  69%-60%; completion of recital attendance and paper requirement

Regular attendance at live recitals (concerts) is highly desirable and encouraged.  A minimum of four approved performances must be attended throughout the semester, demonstrating a variety of listening experiences in accord with the course material.  Attendance will be registered through submission of a signed program at the next class meeting following the performance.  Any two programs submitted during the semester must also be accompanied by a brief (2-4 pages) paper which discusses one of the works included in the performance, utilizing the listening techniques developed in class.  Selected on- and off-campus events may be used to satisfy these requirements and the listening facilities in Craig Hall may also be used during the regular office hours (M-F, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) or evening hours (Sunday-Thursday,  7:00-10:00 p.m.).  Failure to complete these requirements will result in the semester grade being lowered by one-half letter.
N.B.  The first analysis paper must be submitted no later than Friday, April 4, 2008.

The current Honor System employed by Austin College (see the posted statement in the classroom) is in full effect for this course, particularly regarding exams, papers, and recital attendance, all of which are to be completed by individual students.