Revised 08/2021

MUS 221 - History of Western Music Pre-1750 (3 CR.)

Course Description

Presents the chronology of musical styles and significant composers from Antiquity through the Pre-Classical era. Relates the development of music from a socio-historical perspective including parallel movements within the arts. Develops techniques for listening analytically and critically to music. MUS 221 and 222 may transfer as the same course. This is a Passport and UCGS transfer course. Lecture 3 hours.

General Course Purpose

Provide a detailed understanding of the evolution of Western music from Antiquity through Pre-Classical eras.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

None.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • Communication
    • Effectively communicate music observations through written and/or oral communication
  • Critical Thinking
    • Identify how various social, political, economic, religious, and historical events may influence a composer and the style of music from a given historical period
    • Evaluate artistic movements within an era and any corresponding interrelationship with music
    • Identify and understand how instruments and music ensembles evolved from the Medieval Period through the Pre-Classical era.
    • Identify the development, evolution, and use of the elements of music
    • Identify various music forms and understand how those forms influenced the creation of compositions and the listening experience
  • Personal Development
    • Augment listening skills through assignments/assessments designed to listen analytically and critically to music
    • Demonstrate proficiency in the development of receptivity to music from different historical periods
    • Demonstrate the development of receptivity to compositions of composers representative of a given historical period
    • Cultivate personal goals related to music listening, participation, or performance attendance
  • Medieval Period
    • Identify significant historical events
    • Identify parallel movements within the arts
    • Describe the evolution of notation during this period
    • Name significant composers and their works
    • Describe the evolution of sacred and secular music styles
    • Identify key aspects of sacred and secular music
    • Visually identify and recognize the soundscape of instruments and ensembles of this period
    • Identify the basic structure of forms and recognize that form while listening to music of this period
  • Renaissance Period
    • Identify significant historical events
    • Identify parallel movements within the arts
    • Name significant composers and their works
    • Describe the evolution of sacred and secular music styles
    • Identify key aspects of sacred and secular music
    • Visually identify and recognize the soundscape of instruments and ensembles of this period
    • Identify the basic structure of forms and recognize that form while listening to music of this period
  • Baroque/Pre-Classical Period
    • Identify significant historical events
    • Identify parallel movements within the arts
    • Name significant composers and their works
    • Describe the evolution of sacred and secular music styles
    • Identify key aspects of sacred and secular music
    • Visually identify and recognize the soundscape of instruments and ensembles of this period
    • Identify the basic structure of forms and recognize that form while listening to music of this period

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Personal Development
  • Medieval Period
  • Renaissance Period
  • Baroque/Pre-Classical Period