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2018-2019 Academic Catalog 
    
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2018-2019 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

Course Numbering System

The following lists include all courses normally offered at Albion College. However, not all courses are offered every year. When possible, courses offered in alternate years are designated. For details, students should consult the Class Schedule for each semester, available online at: www.albion.edu/registrar. The College reserves the right to add or withdraw courses without prior announcement, as conditions may require.

Unless otherwise stated, 100 level courses are intended for freshmen, 200 level for sophomores, 300 and 400 level for juniors and seniors.

A list of courses which meet the core and category requirements, organized by departments, is available online at www.albion.edu/registrar.

Further information may be obtained at the Registrar’s Office in the Ferguson Student, Technology, and Administrative Services Building.
 

Music

Students performing in ensembles have the option of electing them for credit or not for credit. If credit registration would cause the unit enrollment to exceed four and one-half, the student may elect an audit registration, for which no fee will be assessed. Up to two units of ensemble credit may be included among the total required for graduation.
  

  • MUS 100: Music Major Seminar

    (0 Units)
    Prerequisite: Open only to music majors.
    Designed to provide declared music majors with a broad range of music listening and music performance experiences in order to develop the skills and characteristics necessary to be informed, successful and fulfilled as a well-rounded musician and educated audience member. Offered on a credit/no credit basis. Staff.
  

  • MUS 101: Theory I

    (1 Unit)
    Prerequisite: Open only to music majors, or with permission of instructor.
    An introduction to Western musical language through studies in fundamentals (key signatures, intervals, scales, rhythmic notation, etc.), chordal and melodic structures, and basic four-part harmonization. Focuses on intensive training in sight-singing (with solfege) and ear-training activities, an introduction to music software for notation and ear training, and development of keyboard proficiency through participation in a required weekly keyboard laboratory. Keyboard laboratory sessions concentrate on basic reading and harmonization skills at the keyboard, as well as development of the technical ability to perform elementary repertoire. Lecture and keyboard laboratory. Jensen-Abbott.
  

  • MUS 102: Theory I

    (1 Unit)
    Prerequisite: MUS 101  or advanced placement by means of a departmental examination.
    A continuation of studies begun in MUS 101 , with emphasis on further exercises in and analysis of four-part harmonization, secondary chord function, musical form and exercises in stylized composition. Sight-singing, ear-training and technology application continue. Keyboard laboratory sessions continue to develop reading, harmonization, and basic theory skills as related to piano playing. Further development of technical skills allows the study of early intermediate repertoire. Lecture and keyboard laboratory. Jensen-Abbott.
  

  • MUS 110: Rock-and-Roll in Society

    (1 Unit)
    Study of the origins, characteristics and stylistic development of rock-and-roll music from the early 1950s to the present through the frameworks of race, gender/ethnicity, politics, and popular culture. Designed for the non-music major. Course fee. McIlhagga.
  

  • MUS 111: Music Appreciation

    (1 Unit)
    Designed for the non-music major who wishes to gain an appreciation of music as a fine art. The musical elements of style, form and design are investigated primarily through listening. Not open to music majors. Staff.
  

  • MUS 113: Introduction to Opera

    (1 Unit)
    An introductory course designed for both the music major and non-major. Concentrates on the most frequently performed operas of Mozart, Puccini, Verdi and Wagner. Extensive use of video tapes of opera performances with sub-titles. Offered in alternate years. Balke.
  

  • MUS 120: Music Performance as a Creative Process

    (1 Unit)
    Corequisites: MUS 121 , MUS 122 , MUS 124 , MUS 125 , MUS 131  or MUS 132 .
    Designed to give students the tools necessary to think, discuss and write critically about music both within and outside of their respective ensemble “labs.” Through reading, writing and listening assignments, students will become more aware of the elements involved in musical interpretation. McIlhagga.
  

  • MUS 133: Opera Workshop

    (1/2 Unit)
    Provides opportunity for involvement in the production of operas or opera scenes from auditions through performance. Covers all aspects of opera from vocal roles to technical support. Offered in alternate years. Staff.
  

  • MUS 137: Piano Chamber Music Ensemble

    (1/4 Unit)
    Prerequisites: Music major and permission of instructor.
    Develops ensemble skills for pianists playing in duos with a second pianist or in mixed ensembles such as trios for piano and strings, etc. Topics include balance, rhythmic precision and pedaling, as well as overall phrasing and interpretation. Abbott, Jensen-Abbott.
  

  • MUS 187: Selected Topics

    (1/4 Unit)
    An examination of subjects or areas not included in other courses. Staff.
  

  • MUS 188: Selected Topics

    (1/2 Unit)
    An examination of subjects or areas not included in other courses. Staff.
  

  • MUS 189: Selected Topics

    (1 Unit)
    An examination of subjects or areas not included in other courses. Staff.
  

  • MUS 192: Guitar Class I

    (1/4 Unit)
    Basic development of both classical and plectrum guitar skills. Intended for students with little or no previous training. No applied music tuition fee charged. Palmer.
  

  • MUS 193: Guitar Class II

    (1/4 Unit)
    Prerequisite: MUS 192  or permission of instructor.
    A continuation in the development of music reading skills using easy classical, traditional tunes and technical exercises. No applied music tuition fee charged. Palmer.
  

  • MUS 194: Guitar Class III

    (1/4 Unit)
    Prerequisite: MUS 193  or permission of instructor.
    A continuation of MUS 193 . No applied music tuition fee charged. Palmer.
  

  • MUS 201: Theory II

    (1 Unit)
    Prerequisite: MUS 102  or permission of instructor.
    A continuation of the studies begun in MUS 101  and MUS 102  with a special emphasis on chromatic harmony. A further study of form and exercises in stylized composition. Sight-singing and ear-training continue. Jensen-Abbott.
  

  • MUS 202: Theory II

    (1 Unit)
    Prerequisite: MUS 201  or permission of instructor.
    A continuation of the studies begun in MUS 101 , MUS 102  and MUS 201  with a special emphasis on form. An introduction to the materials and techniques of twentieth and twenty-first-century music. Sight-singing and ear-training continue. A major analysis paper is required. Jensen-Abbott.
  

  • MUS 205: Jazz Improvisation

    (1 Unit)
    Prerequisite: MUS 101  recommended.
    An introduction to the art and craft of jazz improvisation through a study of the theoretical, historical, philosophical and aesthetic factors surrounding its past, present and future performance practice. Course material is designed to develop thinking and reacting skills needed for performance through assignments in repertoire, scales, keyboard harmony skills and melodic patterns. Offered in alternate years. Ball.
  

  • MUS 216: Piano Literature

    (1/2 Unit)
    An historical, melodic, and harmonic overview of some of the major piano works by the most significant composers of the seventeenth through twenty-first centuries. Designed to enhance a music major’s understanding of works considered to be the standards in piano and chamber music. Offered in alternate years. Jensen-Abbott.
  

  • MUS 217: Instrumental Literature

    (1/2 Unit)
    An historical, melodic, and harmonic overview of some of the major instrumental musical works by the most significant composers of the seventeenth through twenty-first centuries. Designed to enhance a music major’s understanding of works considered to be the standards in orchestral, band and chamber music. Offered in alternate years. McIlhagga.
  

  • MUS 218: Choral Literature

    (1/2 Unit)
    An historical, melodic, and harmonic overview of some of the major choral works by the most significant composers of the seventeenth through twenty-first centuries. Designed to enhance a music major’s understanding of works considered to be the standards in choral music. Offered in alternate years. Parr.
  

  • MUS 220: Diction for Singers

    (1/2 Unit)
    A concentrated course on the basics of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) including application of this system to the correct stage pronunciation and artistic performance of standard classical solo repertoire (art song, opera) in English, Italian, German and French. Balke.
  

  • MUS 221: Diction for Singers

    (1 Unit)
    A concentrated course on the basics of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) including application of this system to the correct stage pronunciation and artistic performance of standard classical solo repertoire (art song, opera) in English, Italian, German and French. Balke.
  

  • MUS 230: Introduction to Conducting

    (1/2 Unit)
    Prerequisite: MUS 102  or permission of instructor.
    Fundamentals of conducting vocal and instrumental ensembles. (1) basic beat patterns; (2) score analysis; (3) instrument and voice ranges and transpositions; and (4) some practical aspects of rehearsing. Lecture and laboratory. Ball.
  

  • MUS 240: Brass Teaching and Techniques

    (1/2 Unit)
    Provides practical methods in the teaching and playing techniques of all brass instruments including trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium and tuba. Primarily intended for students pursuing their teacher certification in music. A secondary instrument lab ensemble is also a corequisite for this course. Offered in alternate years. Otto.
  

  • MUS 242: Woodwind Teaching and Techniques

    (1/2 Unit)
    Provides practical methods in the teaching and playing techniques of all woodwind instruments including flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and saxophone. Primarily intended for students pursuing their teacher certification in music. A secondary instrument lab ensemble is also a corequisite for this course. Offered in alternate years. Miller.
  

  • MUS 244: Stringed Teaching and Techniques

    (1/2 Unit)
    Provides practical methods in the teaching and playing techniques of all bowed string instruments including violin, viola, cello, and string bass. Primarily intended for students pursuing their teacher certification in music. A secondary instrument lab ensemble is also a corequisite for this course. Offered in alternate years. Abo.
  

  • MUS 246: Percussion Teaching and Techniques

    (1/2 Unit)
    Provides practical methods in the teaching and playing techniques of all percussion instruments including snare drum, timpani, mallet instruments, as well as most other percussion instruments utilized in an instrumental ensemble. Primarily intended for students pursuing their teacher certification in music. A secondary instrument lab ensemble is also a corequisite for this course. Offered in alternate years. Wulff.
  

  • MUS 287: Selected Topics

    (1/4 Unit)
    An examination of subjects or areas not included in other courses. Staff.
  

  • MUS 288: Selected Topics

    (1/2 Unit)
    An examination of subjects or areas not included in other courses. Staff.
  

  • MUS 289: Selected Topics

    (1 Unit)
    An examination of subjects or areas not included in other courses. Staff.
  

  • MUS 313: Music History I

    (1 Unit)
    Prerequisite: MUS 201  or permission of instructor.
    A course in the history of music designed for junior and senior music majors. Covers music from the ancient Greeks through the seventeenth century. In addition to regular examinations, assignments stress stylistic characteristics of a period or of an individual composer. There is assigned listening. Abbott.
  

  • MUS 314: Music History II

    (1 Unit)
    Prerequisite: MUS 201  or permission of instructor.
    A continuation of MUS 313  covering music from the eighteenth century to the present. In addition to examinations and analysis assignments, students complete a major research paper by the end of the semester that investigates some aspect of contemporary Western music or deal with non-Western music. Abbott.
  

  • MUS 319: Evolution of Jazz

    (1 Unit)
    An exploration of the rich cultural background and evolution of jazz music through discussion of important performers, composers, educators and critics with respect to their contribution to the development of the art form. Emphasis is placed on developing critical listening skills through the extensive use of landmark recordings and live performances. Offered in alternate years. Ball.
  

  • MUS 322: Teaching of Instrumental Music in the Schools

    (1 Unit)
    Prerequisite: MUS 230 .
    Required of all instrumental music education majors. Designed to acquaint the student with all aspects of teaching, developing, planning, directing and administering public school instrumental music programs, K-12. Offered in alternate years. McIlhagga.
  

  • MUS 325: Teaching of Music in the Elementary School

    (1 Unit)
    Prerequisite: MUS 230 .
    Designed to give the student a knowledge of a well-rounded music program for the elementary grades. Creative experiences, demonstrations and practical work in performing and listening are stressed. Lecture and laboratory. Offered in alternate years. Root.
  

  • MUS 328: Teaching of Choral Music in the Secondary School

    (1 Unit)
    Prerequisite: MUS 230 ; MUS 330  is strongly recommended.
    An introduction to all aspects of the music program for the secondary school and the techniques for administering the program. Lecture and laboratory. It is strongly recommended that Music 330 (Choral Conducting) be elected prior to 328. Offered in alternate years. Parr.
  

  • MUS 330: Choral Conducting

    (1/2 Unit)
    Prerequisite: MUS 230 .
    Laboratory work in choral conducting and score reading with practical experience in techniques of training choral ensembles. Required of all choral music education majors. Offered in alternate years. Parr.
  

  • MUS 331: Instrumental Conducting

    (1/2 Unit)
    Prerequisite: MUS 230 .
    Laboratory work to develop techniques and skills required for instrumental conducting and score reading. Students may be given the opportunity to conduct instrumental ensembles on campus. Required of all instrumental music education majors. Offered in alternate years. Ball.
  

  • MUS 387: Selected Topics

    (1/4 Unit)
    An examination of subjects or areas not included in other courses. Staff.
  

  • MUS 388: Selected Topics

    (1/2 Unit)
    An examination of subjects or areas not included in other courses. Staff.
  

  • MUS 389: Selected Topics

    (1 Unit)
    An examination of subjects or areas not included in other courses. Staff.
  

  • MUS 391: Internship

    (1/2 Unit)
    Offered on a credit/no credit basis. Staff.
  

  • MUS 392: Internship

    (1 Unit)
    Offered on a credit/no credit basis. Staff.
  

  • MUS 401: Seminar

    (1/2 Unit)
    Staff.
  

  • MUS 402: Seminar

    (1 Unit)
    Staff.
  

  • MUS 411: Directed Study

    (1/2 Unit)
    Staff.
  

  • MUS 412: Directed Study

    (1 Unit)
    Staff.

Music: Ensembles
  

  • MUS 121: Marching Band/Symphonic Band

    (1/4 Unit)
    Open to all wind or percussion students by audition. Auditions are held one week prior to the beginning of the fall semester during pre-season rehearsals. After marching season, students continue in symphonic band until the end of the semester. McIlhagga.
  

  • MUS 122: Symphonic Wind Ensemble

    (1/4 Unit)
    Available for all woodwind, brass, and percussion students. Admission is by audition given during November and/or the first week of the spring semester. McIlhagga.
  

  • MUS 123: Jazz Combo

    (1/4 Unit)
    Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
    Available to student instrumentalists and singers interested in performing in a combo setting within the jazz idiom. Rehearsals are by arrangement. Ball.
  

  • MUS 124: Jazz Ensemble

    (1/4 Unit)
    Available to wind and percussion students interested in playing all styles of jazz. Admission is by audition given during the first week of classes. Ball.
  

  • MUS 125: Symphony Orchestra

    (1/4 Unit)
    Open to all students by audition. Auditions are held the first week of each semester; students should bring one prepared solo. Ball.
  

  • MUS 126: String Ensembles

    (1/4 Unit)
    Open to string students and pianists who are interested in performing chamber music. Rehearsals are by arrangement. Permission of instructor required. Staff.
  

  • MUS 127: Woodwind Ensembles

    (1/4 Unit)
    Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
    Available for woodwind students who are interested in performing chamber music from all periods. Rehearsals are by arrangement. Staff.
  

  • MUS 128: Brass Ensembles

    (1/4 Unit)
    Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
    Available for brass students who are interested in performing brass chamber music. Rehearsals are by arrangement. Staff.
  

  • MUS 129: Percussion Ensemble

    (1/4 Unit)
    Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
    Available for percussion students who are interested in playing music for percussion. Rehearsals are by arrangement. Wulff.
  

  • MUS 130: Guitar Ensemble

    (1/4 Unit)
    Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
    Open to all guitar students who are interested in performing chamber music. Rehearsals are by arrangement. Palmer.
  

  • MUS 131: Concert Choir

    (1/4 Unit)
    Open to all students by audition. Auditions are held during the first four days of classes in the fall. Parr.
  

  • MUS 132: Briton Singers

    (1/4 Unit)
    Members are selected from the Concert Choir by audition during the first week of classes in the fall. Parr.
  

  • MUS 138: Brazilian Drumming

    (.25 unit)
    A study of the origins and development of Brazil’s national rhythm through hands on learning and listening.  The course focuses specifically on the various percussive instruments that make up a standard samba ensemble.  No previous drumming experience is necessary. Staff