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General Education Courses in Music:
Fulfilling the Arts Requirement

Are you a non-music major who's looking to take a music course to complete your general education (GE) requirements?

  • MUS 12 - History of Jazz

    A survey of jazz as a significant American art form from its roots in African music to the present. Major styles, leading performers, significant compositions and recordings, and the social, economic, and cultural contexts of the music will be stressed.

     

  • MUS 14A - World Music

    Examines the dominant musical cultures of the world within Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Asia and compares these to Western popular music. Identifies vocal and instrumental genres within selected cultures and examines the harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic characteristics of each style. Lectures, films, recordings, and media presentations will assist the student in exploring the ways in which music is used around the world for aesthetic, social, and spiritual purposes.

  • MUS 14B - American Folk Music

    (Honors course also available) The study of American folk music by both region and period. Instruction will include lecture, reading, and listening assignments, and various audio-visual materials. No previous musical experience required.

  • MUS 15 - Rock Music History and Appreciation

    (Honors course also available) Historical survey of rock music from its beginnings in the early 1950s to the present. Rhythm & blues, rockabilly, the British Invasion, Motown, soul, folk rock, hard rock, punk, metal, and various alternative rock styles will be discussed. Personalities and musical styles will be related to the sociology of the time period being studied.

     

  • MUS 100 - Introduction to Western Classical Music

    (Honors course also available) Survey of art music in western civilization. Topics studied include but are not limited to elements of music, basic musical forms, music periods, styles, and the role of music and musicians in the western world. Attending at least one live concert is required.

     

  • MUS 101 - Women in Music

    A survey of art music in Western civilization with attention to gender issues, specifically in terms of women in music - as creators, performers, patrons, and listeners - from an historical perspective. Topics include elements of music, critical listening skills, time periods in music history (Medieval to 21st Century), musical styles, music as an expressive art form, and specific composers and musicians whose work speaks to gender-related issues. Appropriate for non-music majors. Attending at least one live concert is required.

MUS 102 - Film Music Appreciation

A study of American film music from 1927 to present day, Comprehensive lectures include a historical analysis of the evolution of the art form, introduction of prominent film composers, and analysis of various score styles. Students will be required to access, watch, and listen to several films throughout the course.

 

MUS 103 - Music and Culture of Hip Hop

(Honors course also available) Introduction to the ideological, social, historical, and cultural influences on hip hop in African and African American history. Course addresses controversies surrounding rap music including violence, sexism, and racial stereotyping. Topics include early success of hip hop, its spread to mainstream culture, growth of "gangsta rap," and the commercial success of rap.