Revised 08/2021

MUS 222 - History of Western Music 1750 to Present (3 CR.)

Course Description

Presents the chronology of musical styles and significant composers from the Classical Period through the Modern 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 per week.

General Course Purpose

Provide a detailed understanding of the evolution of Western music from the Classical through Modern 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 Classical Period through the Modern 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 composition 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
  • 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
  • Romantic 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
  • Twentieth Century to Today
    • 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
  • Classical Period
  • Romantic Period
  • Twentieth Century to Today