Music Appreciation Fall 2010 Syllabus Instructor: Leah Purdy lpurdy@nppsd.org 308-535-7105 Course Description Music Appreciation is a course open to grades 10-12 that is designed to introduce representative musical masterworks to high school students. A study of the materials of music, including basic elements, mediums, styles, and form is presented as an aid to understanding and enjoying music. The listening to and analysis of recordings is included. The topics studied will include basic music terms, musical time periods, the history of jazz, musicals, origins of today s pop music and discussing the aesthetic values of music. Course Objectives 1. To explore the various elements of music: Musical sounds, rhythms, melodies, harmonies, timbres, formal designs, and performances. 2. To study the way music is reflected in our society and other cultures. 3. To become familiar with the music of various time periods. 4. To understand the progression of music from a historical perspective. 5. Above all, to develop a greater appreciation of music and to begin to recognize the role that music plays in today s society.
Course Requirements 1. Complete all assigned readings and assignments. If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to come and get the assignments from ME! I will not come and find you. You have, as per the handbook, the number of days absent plus one day to complete the missing work. 2. Attend class!!!!! 3. Complete all tests and quizzes. If you are absent the day of a test, YOU are responsible for making arrangements to make up the test. You must make these arrangements within 24 hours of your return to school. 4. Complete an assigned research project and presentation. 5. Attend three concerts (either school or other) and write a response. Response sheets are available from me. A list of school concerts is included with this syllabus. Other concerts are perfectly acceptable as well. Classroom Behaviors 1. I will report to class on time with materials and a positive attitude. 2. I will follow directions the first time they are given. 3. I will respect the rights and property of the school, the teaching staff, and my fellow classmates. 4. I will behave in an appropriate and respectful manner at all times. Grading Scale Grade Percentage Rating A 100-90 Superior B 89-80 Excellent
C 79-70 Average D 69-60 Below Average F Below 60 Failing Late Work All late work will be due at the conclusion of the chapter/unit of study. Within the chapter/unit of study, if an assignment is due late work can be graded with deductions. After the completion of the chapter/unit of study, no credit will be granted for assignments due within that chapter/unit. Each student may be allowed 3 late assignments without penalty. After that, they receive a grade of 50% for any late assignments satisfactorily completed. Per Day Deductions 1 day late=6 pt. deduction (max. 94%) 2 days late=12 pt. deduction (max. 88%) 3 days late=18 pt. deduction (max. 82%) 4 days late=24 pt. deduction (max. 76%) 5 days late=30 pt. deduction (max. 70%) More than 5 days late=50% if completed within the chapter/unit of study Dual Credit This class is available to be taken for college credit through Mid-Plains Community College. The cost is approximately $81/credit hour and would give you three hours of elective college credit at the end of the semester. If you would like more information on this, contact the
guidance office. This is ABSOLUTELY something that you should consider! How great would it be to enter college with three credit hours already completed?? You may access this syllabus any time on Mrs. Purdy s Website by following these steps. 1. Go to www.nppsd.org 2. Click on High Schools on the left hand side 3. Click on NPHS 4. Click on Staff 5. Click on High School Administration Faculty and Staff 6. Click on Mrs. Purdy 7. Click on Mrs. Purdy s Website 8. Add to your favorites! I have read the Music Appreciation Syllabus with my son/daughter and understand the expectations set forth therein. I understand that this will be my first reference for information, and that I am free to call or email the teacher at any time with questions regarding the class.
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