Overview

MUSI 267 is an introductory course in music appreciation for non-musicians. Its general objective is to enhance the student's aesthetic perception of music. MUSI 267 examines music of all types in order to identify and explain universal features such as the organization of rhythm and pitch. Specifically, it will help students to begin an exploration of music of all cultures and historical periods, to become aware of the common features of all music, to acquire a basic music vocabulary, to identify a number of pieces aurally, and to write descriptively, analytically, and comparatively about music.

As the title of the course implies, the emphasis is upon listening. The work for each unit includes extended periods of listening to recordings as well as reading. Although any prior knowledge of music will be useful, this course is structured so that a student without a previous musical background can be successful in it. For example, although musical notation is explained, it is used only as a graphical aid to listening and you do not need to be able to read music in order to complete the course.

Outline

Evaluation

To receive credit for MUSI 267, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least “D” (50 percent) and a grade of at least 50 percent on the final examination. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbook

Funes, Donald J. 1992. Musical Involvement: A Guide to Perceptive Listening, 2d ed. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Other materials

The course materials include a study guide, a student manual, and a set of audiotapes.