May 21, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog (As of 12-14-18) 
    
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2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog (As of 12-14-18) [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

 

Music
  

  • MUSC 131 Music Appreciation (3)

    Introduction to the fundamentals of music necessary for intelligent listening. Musical terminology and historical data are presented as needed, but central to the course is the development of more perceptive listening habits through guided listening to a variety of works.
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
  

  • MUSC 146 Fundamentals of Music (3)

    A study of the basics of music notation and its realization. Includes a study of scales, key signatures, intervals, rhythmic notation and chord construction. Sight-singing of simple melodies and ear training will also be included.
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
  

  • MUSC 147 Fundamentals of Music II (3)

    A continuation of MUSC 146 . Harmonization of simple melodies, a study of non-harmonic tones, cadences, introduction to figured bass and harmonic analysis. Sight-singing and ear training will be a major part of the course.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 146 .
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • MUSC 222 Special Topics for Non-Majors (3)

    This course is a series of special topics courses designed for the non-music major. Course topics will change from semester to semester and will remain broad so as not to require an extensive background in music. The ability to read music is not required. Like MUSC 131 , MUSC 222 is accepted as a humanities credit.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Repeatable: For up to 12 credit hours.
  

  • MUSC 230 Masterworks of Music Literature (3)

    A study of representative compositions by master composers from 1700 to the present. No technical knowledge of music is required, but some familiarity with classical music is helpful.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 131  or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • MUSC 232 History of Popular Music in the United States (3)

    An outline of the history of popular music in the U.S., beginning with the minstrel shows of the 1840s and continuing through the 1960s. The course will identify three revolutions in popular music: Early popular music (1840s-1900); the modern era of popular music (1900-on); the rock ‘n’ roll era (mid- 1950s-on). The course will examine those cultural traditions that blended together to shape our history of popular music.
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
  

  • MUSC 233 World Music Cultures (3)

    This course serves as an introduction to enthomusicology, and will explore the ways that music creates and reflects culture, drawing case studies from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Topics discussed will include music’s relationship to ritual, migration, globalization, politics, identity, technology, and memory. No prior background in music is necessary.
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
  

  • MUSC 234 Music in Latin America (3)

    This course will provide an introduction to the folk and popular musics of Latin America, exploring the connections between musical style and its sociocultural context and significance. Case studies will be drawn from across Latin America and will address music’s relationship to issues of race, ethnicity, nation, gender, and politics.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • MUSC 238 Music Theory Lab I (1)

    The study of musical scales, intervals, and key signatures utilizing sight-singing, ear training and keyboard exercises. Laboratory three hours per week. Should normally be taken by majors concurrently with MUSC 246 .
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • MUSC 239 Music Theory Lab II (1)

    Continuation of MUSC 238  with more ear training and sight-singing and beginning of four-part harmonic dictation. Laboratory three hours per week. Should normally be taken by majors concurrently with MUSC 247 .
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 238  or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Spring
  

  • MUSC 240 Phonetics for Singers (3)

    The pronunciation of Italian, German and French through the learning and use of the International Phonetic Alphabet. Students learn to transcribe the orthographic letters of the languages studied into IPA symbols, using these symbols as the key to correct pronunciation.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • MUSC 246 Music Theory I (3)

    A study of tonal music theory including a review of music fundamentals, construction and analysis of triads and seventh cords, four-part writing including first and second inversions, and the basics of musical form. Majors should take MUSC 238  concurrently.
    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor or music faculty representative.
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • MUSC 247 Music Theory II (3)

    A continuation of MUSC 246 . Further study of tonal music including non-chord tones, diatonic seventh chords, secondary functions, modulations using common chords and other modulatory techniques, and a brief examination of larger musical forms.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 246  and MUSC 238  or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Spring
  

  • MUSC 280 Music as Culture (3)

    An introduction to ethnomusicology, or “the study of music as culture,” for students with prior training in Western music. Students will analyze folk, art, and popular music from the world’s cultures, examining the relationships between musical practices and structures and their cultural significance.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 246  
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • MUSC 337 Opera Literature (3)

    A study of selected operas by composers of the 18th to 20th centuries.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 131  or MUSC 230  or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • MUSC 338 Music Theory Lab III (1)

    Consists of keyboard harmony exercises, a review at the keyboard of material presented in Theory I, as well as sight-singing and dictation. Laboratory three hours per week.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 239  or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • MUSC 339 Music Theory Lab IV (1)

    Advanced projects in analysis, keyboard skills, diction and/or ear training. A review of skills from previous theory and theory lab courses, tailored to the needs of the student enrolled. Laboratory three hours per week.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 338  or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Spring
  

  • MUSC 345 Jazz Theory (3)

    A study of the harmonic practice of jazz music. Investigation of standard harmonic structures and their uses, as well as standard symbols and terminology. Historical perspective from the bebop era through the present. Discussion of modern trends. Written assignments to augment lectures.
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • MUSC 347 History of Jazz (3)

    A study of the historical, cultural, and musical significance of jazz and the major trends and styles of jazz, with attention to the most important performers in this idiom.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • MUSC 348 Music in America (3)

    A survey of music in American culture from Colonial times to the present, with particular attention to the social setting for American music and the influence of European and African cultures on American music. The course will involve listening to and discussing representative compositions by American composers. In the first part of the course, particular attention will be paid to Charleston as a musical center before 1860.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 131  or any course in American history or literature would be helpful.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • MUSC 349 Jazz Arranging (3)

    The course will be comprised of the study of writing and arranging music for a large jazz ensemble, with a secondary emphasis on learning music manuscript software.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 345  or permission of instructor
    Course Frequency: Spring
  

  • MUSC 351 Seminar in Music Composition (3)

    Composition with adherence to strict forms and creative writing in various forms and media.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 247 .
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • MUSC 352 Seminar in Music Composition II (3)

    Continuation of creative work begun in Music Composition I, with analysis emphasis on larger 20th century works. The student’s final project will be presented in a public performance of the composition.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 351 .
    Course Frequency: Spring
  

  • MUSC 374 Seminar in Orchestration (3)

    A systematic study of the orchestra, starting with the ranges, timbres, idiosyncrasies, capabilities, and extended techniques of orchestral instruments, and continuing onto developing orchestral writing technique, exploring the creative aspect of orchestration as an inherent part of the compositional process. Class projects will be performed by the College orchestra.
    Prerequisite(s): Declared music major or minor; MUSC 246  and MUSC 247  
    Co-requisite(s) or Prerequisite(s): MUSC 481  and MUSC 482  
    Course Frequency: Spring
    Note: Recommended that students take MUSC 481  and MUSC 482  prior to enrollment in MUSC 374.
  

  • MUSC 381 Music History I (3)

    A study of music in Western European society between 400 A.D. and 1700 A.D. Medieval, Renaissance, and early Baroque styles of music, as seen in representative compositions and composers. Extensive listening to selected compositions and analysis of them, with attention to performance practice and the place of music in the society of the period.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 131  and MUSC 247 , or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • MUSC 382 Music History II (3)

    A study of music in Western European society in the 18th and 19th centuries. Music of the late Baroque masters, Classical period and Romantic period. Extensive listening to selected compositions and analysis of them, with attention to performance practice and the place of music in the society of the period.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 381  or permission of the instructor; for minors in music, MUSC 246  is the prerequisite.
    Course Frequency: Spring
  

  • MUSC 399 Tutorial (3)

    Individual instruction given by a tutor in regularly scheduled meetings (usually once a week).
    Prerequisite(s): Junior standing, plus permission of the tutor and the department chair.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Repeatable: For up to 12 credit hours.
  

  • MUSC 438 Music Theory Lab V (1)

    Advanced ear training covering modulation, chromatic harmony, and advanced rhythm in the form of keyboard exercises, dictations, sight singing, and transcription. Laboratory three hours per week.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 339  or permission of instructor
    Course Frequency: Fall
    Repeatable: For up to 2 credit hours.
  

  • MUSC 439 Music Theory Lab VI (1)

    Advanced ear training cover modes, atonality, extended harmony and other 20th century techniques, as well as the advanced rhythm, in the form of keyboard exercises, dictations, sight singing, and transcription. Laboratory three hours per week.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 438  or permission of instructor
    Course Frequency: Spring
    Repeatable: For up to 2 credit hours.
  

  • MUSC 444 Seminar: Selected Topics in Music History (3)

    Concentrated investigation in various subjects in music literature as announced each semester. Possible topics are the music of a particular composer; a study of Baroque ornamentation as realized in performance practice; or iconography (visual arts in music research), including a survey of archives or prints, discussion of paintings, etc., on musical subjects, and the use of iconography in research.
    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • MUSC 445 Senior Independent Study: Music History (3 or 6)

    Students who have taken an appropriate sequence of preparatory courses in one area or problem of music history determine a project in consultation with a department member qualified to guide and judge the work.
    Prerequisite(s): Open to juniors or seniors, with an overall GPA of at least 2.750 and a music GPA of at least 3.300, with the permission of the department.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Repeatable: May be repeated for credit when course content varies.
  

  • MUSC 460 Senior Independent Study in Music Theory or Composition (3 or 6)

    Large-scale project investigating a specific problem in theory, or a significant musical composition.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 352  or permission of the instructor; an overall GPA of at least 2.750 and permission of the department.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Repeatable: For up to 12 credit hours.
  

  • MUSC 481 Music Theory III (3)

    A continuation of MUSC 247 . Further study of tonal music and an introduction to tonal and non-tonal techniques of the 20th Century. Topics include mode mixture, the Neapolitan Chord, augmented sixth chords, enharmonic modulations, counterpoint, pentatonic and synthetic scales, quartal harmony, twelve-tone serialism, and other modern techniques.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 247 .
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • MUSC 482 Music Theory IV (3)

    A continuation of MUSC 481 . A study of representative examples of music from the common practice period and 20th Century with an emphasis on form and analysis. Topics include formal analysis, contrapuntal techniques, harmonic trends, instrumentation and orchestration, and the development of genres.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 481 .
    Course Frequency: Spring
  

  • MUSC 499 Bachelor’s Essay (6)

    A year-long research and writing project done during the senior year under the close supervision of a tutor from the department. Students must take the initiative in seeking a tutor to help in both the design and supervision of their project. A project proposal must be submitted in writing and approved by the department prior to registration for the course.
    Course Frequency: Occasional

Music - Practice and Performance
  

  • MUSC 121 Class Piano I (1)

    Class instruction for beginning piano students with an emphasis on note reading and use of functional (chordal) harmony. Limited enrollment by audition.
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
  

  • MUSC 122 Class Piano II (1)

    Continuation of MUSC 121 .
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 121  or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
  

  • MUSC 123 Class Voice (1)

    The study of the voice for those with little or no previous vocal or musical training. Instruction dealing with interpretation, and vocal technique in English and foreign languages.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • MUSC 161 Concert Choir (1)

    The study and performance of choral music, both sacred and secular, from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Laboratory three hours per week.
    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
    Repeatable: For up to 8 credit hours.
    Note: No more than 8 credit hours from any combination of ensembles or concert choir may be earned and applied towards graduation requirements.
  

  • MUSC 292 Repertory Class: Voice (1)

    A master class format in which students and faculty perform, critique and discuss various aspects of musical performance such as technique, interpretation and performance practice.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • MUSC 293 Repertory Class: Brass (1)

    A master class format in which students and faculty perform, critique and discuss various aspects of musical performance such as technique, interpretation and performance practice.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • MUSC 294 Repertory Class: Woodwinds (1)

    A master class format in which students and faculty perform, critique and discuss various aspects of musical performance such as technique, interpretation and performance practice.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • MUSC 295 Repertory Class: Jazz (1)

    A master class format in which students and faculty perform, critique and discuss various aspects of musical performance such as technique, interpretation and performance practice.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • MUSC 296 Repertory Class: Strings (1)

    A master class format in which students and faculty perform, critique and discuss various aspects of musical performance such as technique, interpretation and performance practice.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • MUSC 297 Repertory Class: Guitar (1)

    A master class format in which students and faculty perform, critique and discuss various aspects of musical performance such as technique, interpretation and performance practice.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • MUSC 298 Repertory Class: Piano (1)

    A master class format in which students and faculty perform, critique and discuss various aspects of musical performance such as technique, interpretation and performance practice.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • MUSC 353 Wind Ensemble (1)

    The study and performance of standard concert band literature. Open to all students, music majors and non-majors.
    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
    Note: No more than eight credit hours from any combination of ensembles or concert choir may be applied toward graduation requirements.
  

  • MUSC 354 Orchestra (1)

    The study and performance of orchestral literature.
    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Note: No more than eight credit hours from any combination of ensembles or concert choir may be applied toward graduation requirements.
  

  • MUSC 355 Ensemble: Chamber Music (1)

    The study and performance of chamber ensemble literature written for various combinations of voices and/or instruments.
    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Note: No more than eight credit hours from any combination of ensembles or concert choir may be applied toward graduation requirements.
  

  • MUSC 356 Ensemble: Early Music (1)

    The study and performance of ensemble literature from the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Note: No more than eight credit hours from any combination of ensembles or concert choir may be applied toward graduation requirements.
  

  • MUSC 357 Ensemble: Guitar (1)

    The study and performance of chamber ensemble literature written for various combinations of voices and/or instruments and guitar.
    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Note: No more than eight credit hours from any combination of ensembles or concert choir may be applied toward graduation requirements.
  

  • MUSC 358 Pep Band (1)

    A 30-member ensemble that provides entertainment at basketball games and other College functions.
    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Note: No more than eight credit hours from any combination of ensembles or concert choir may be applied toward graduation requirements.
  

  • MUSC 359 Ensemble: Jazz Combo (1)

    The study and performance of improvisation in a seven-piece jazz combo, graded from beginning to advanced.
    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Note: No more than eight credit hours from any combination of ensembles or concert choir may be applied toward graduation requirements.
  

  • MUSC 360 Reading Band (1)

    The study and performance of large ensemble jazz works with an emphasis on developing sight-reading skills.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Note: No more than eight credit hours from any combination of ensembles or concert choir may be applied toward graduation requirements.
  

  • MUSC 363 Ensemble (1)

    The study and performance of literature written for various combinations of instruments.
    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Note: No more than eight credit hours from any combination of ensembles or concert choir may be applied toward graduation requirements.
  

  • MUSC 364 Ensemble: Madrigal Singers (1)

    The study and performance of choral literature from the Middle Ages and Renaissance as well as modern works written for chamber choir.
    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Note: No more than eight credit hours from any combination of ensembles or concert choir may be applied toward graduation requirements.
  

  • MUSC 365 Ensemble: Gospel Choir (1)

    The study and performance of traditional hymns, spirituals and popular contemporary gospel literature.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Note: No more than eight credit hours from any combination of ensembles or concert choir may be applied toward graduation requirements.
  

  • MUSC 366 Musical Theatre Workshop (1)

    The study and performance of musical theatre literature.
    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Note: No more than eight credit hours from any combination of ensembles or concert choir may be applied toward graduation requirements.
  

  • MUSC 367 Opera/Musc Thtr Workshop (1)

    The study and performance of scenes from opera and musical theatre.
    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Note: No more than eight credit hours from any combination of ensembles or concert choir may be applied toward graduation requirements.
  

  • MUSC 370 Conducting I (2)

    The study of fundamental principles of conducting, both choral and instrumental, including basic beat patterns, hand and baton technique, interpretation, score reading and rehearsal techniques. Lectures two hours per week.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 246 .
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • MUSC 371 Conducting II (2)

    The study of fundamental principles of conducting, both choral and instrumental, including basic beat patterns, hand and baton technique, interpretation, score reading and rehearsal techniques. Lectures two hours per week.
    Prerequisite(s): MUSC 370 .
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • MUSC 475 Independent Study in Music Performance (3 or 6)

    Students who have taken an appropriate sequence of preparatory courses in one area or problem of music performance determine a project in consultation with a department member qualified to guide and judge the work.
    Prerequisite(s): Students must be juniors or seniors, with overall GPAs of at least 2.750 and music GPAs of at least 3.300, and must have permission of the department.
    Course Frequency: Occasional