Overview
MUSI 267 is an introductory course in music appreciation for non-musicians. It has two broad objectives: to enhance the student's aesthetic perception of music and to teach the 'tension and repose' method of listening to and understanding 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.
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:
| Activity | Weight |
| 2 Assignments (30% each) | 60% |
| Final Exam | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
This course either does not have a course package or the textbooks are open-source material and available to students at no cost. This course has a Course Administration and Technology Fee, but students are not charged the Course Materials Fee.
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Funes, Donald J. 1992. Musical Involvement: A Guide to Perceptive Listening, 2nd ed. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
Other materials
The course materials include an online study guide and online course manual. Music content is streamed online.