POPULAR MUSIC IN AMERICA 

POPULAR MUSIC IN AMERICA 

MUSIC 3243 

Tarleton State University

Instructor:  Dr. Vicky V. Johnson 

E-mail:  vjohnson@tarleton.edu

 

Course Outline

 

SYLLABUS

For week by week description of requirements, assignments, and exams, please refer to the Course Outline at the following link:

http://vickyjohnson.altervista.org/PopularMusicHonors.htm

 

 

Course Description

“An introductory study of popular music in the U.S., emphasizing the development and application of analytical skills oriented toward the popular arts.”   

 

 

Required Text and Materials

 

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David Joyner, American Popular Music, 3rd edition

For those who would prefer a digital text subscription, it is also available at Coursesmart.com (http://www.coursesmart.com/0077285980)

 

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Access to Microsoft Word and PowerPoint software:  They are available on campus computers; your final project must be in that format

 

 

 

Course Objectives

Students in this course will:

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broaden their appreciation and understanding of the role of American popular music

 

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learn to recognize specific musical styles, genres, and performers of American popular music

 

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learn to understand and recognize compositional structures common to various genres of American popular music

 

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increase their understanding of American cultural history by studying the significant trends, sounds, characteristics, and messages of its popular music

 

 

 

Course Activities

 

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Lecture and other classroom activities

 

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Reading and listening assignments (See info about Listening below)

 

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Weekly assignments

 

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Discussions

 

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Timed exams

 

 

 

Course Requirements

 

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Weekly assignments

Assignments turned in late will be penalized 10% per calendar day

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PowerPoint presentation covering a specific topic of your choice within the subject of popular music

 

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3 tests, each covering one unit of the text 

 

The tests will include questions concerning the reading assignments in the textbook as well as the material and listening excerpts covered in the lectures and online material. 

 

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Discussion postings

 

 

 

Grading

 

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Unit Exams 40%

 

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Discussion Posts 20%

 

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Assignments and final project 30%

 

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Participation 10%

 

 

Attendance

 

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Attendance is required.  Absences will only be excused with proper written documentation on letterhead.  This includes a note from a healthcare provider in case of illness or a form signed by a sponsor (presented in advance) in the case of a University sanctioned activity.  Attendance at funerals and court appearances will also be excused with proper documentation and advance notice.

 

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A student's absences will not change any deadline or assignment requirements.  You are always responsible for any material you miss, so check the Course Outline and/or a fellow classmate for announcements, assignments, and requirements.

 

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Classes will begin on time.  If you come in after roll is checked, it is your responsibility to see that your absence is removed from the roll sheet.  See me after class to change the "A" to a "T"

 

 

 

 

 

 

COURSEWORK CRITERIA

 

 

Strong

Weak

Promptness

On time

Late

Completeness

All segments done as assigned

Some missing

Presentation

Length, proofreading, formatting, etc. checked

Unchecked

Clarity

Expression is succinct and clear

Expression is vague and imprecise

Application of readings

Terms and concepts understood and used appropriately

Terms and concepts misused or no usage

 

 

DISCUSSION PARTICIPATION CRITERIA

 

 

Strong

Weak

Attendance

Presence in discussion within time assigned

Read all posts

Absent or late

Read only a few posts

Preparation

Appropriate forethought given to comments where required

Extra reading or research if needed

Unsupported opinion

Application of readings

Same as above for coursework

 

Constructiveness

Comments advance understanding

Comments have minimal substance or merit

 

 

 

Students With Disabilities Policy

It is the policy of Tarleton State University to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws. If you are a student with a disability seeking accommodations for this course, please contact Trina Geye, Director of Student Disability Services, at 254.968.9400 or geye@tarleton.edu. Student Disability Services is located in Math 201. More information can be found at www.tarleton.edu/sds or in the University Catalog.

 

 

Academic Conduct

 

Cheating, plagiarism (submitting another person's materials or ideas as one's own), or doing work for another person who will receive academic credit are all impermissible.  This includes the use of unauthorized books, notebooks, or other sources in order to secure or give help during an examination; the unauthorized copying of examinations, assignments, reports, or term papers; or the presentation of unacknowledged material as if it were the student's own work.

 

Any student caught cheating or plagiarizing will receive a grade of "F" for the class.  Further disciplinary action may also be taken beyond the Department of Fine Arts.  This decision will be mine in consultation with the department head.  Cheating is serious business and the penalties for engaging in this sort of activity will be severe.  Consult the following link for further information on academic conduct as specified in your student handbook.  http://www.tarleton.edu/catalog/academic-information/academic-honesty.html

 

 

 

Technology

 

The number for the Blackboard help desk is 254/968-1960.  Please contact them if you have Blackboard issues!  They are there to help you.  Here again is a webpage with several links to help you.

 

Online Help Page

 

There are links in the lecture notes to streaming audio of the listening selections for the course.  Copyright restrictions prevent allowing students to download these selections for their own use.  However, there are online services where you may buy or pay a fee to have these for your own library. 

 

 

Created and maintained by Vicky V. Johnson