MUS 261 - History of Western Music I

WR 115  or designated placement, and  MUS 101  or knowledge of music fundamentals and the ability to read music. 

WR 115Q  as required.

Course Description: This course studies the history of Western music with a focus on the development of music from the antiquity, the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque Period. It will examine musical genres, forms, styles, and practices that were embraced in each period. It will also explore the way that historical events, cultural trend, and/or technical inventions affected the musical trend of each era. The emphasis is on cultivating critical listening and comprehension skills through musical examples, learning from lectures, documentaries, recordings, and reading of the textbook.

Course Learning Outcomes:

• CLO#1: Explain musical terms, including tempo markings and various musical textures.
• CLO#2: Describe the major genres, styles, forms, characteristics of music and performance practices embraced during each of the periods. (ILO: Critical Thinking)
• CLO#3: Display critical listening and comprehension skills in music.
• CLO#4: Identify the major composers, their works, styles, and musical innovations from each period.
• CLO#5: Describe the development of music and the changing musical trends affected by historical events, cultural trends, and/or technical inventions throughout the periods covered in this class.