Biology - Major in Biology Program

Required courses:
MSC 099 Recital Attendance

Designed for music majors and minors and graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Music core course. Graded pass/fail. May be repeated. 0 credits.

(2 semesters)

One of the following:
MSC 101 Fundamentals of Music

An introduction to the rudiments of music: notation, key signatures, theory, aural theory and so forth. 3 credits.

MSC 115 Music Theory I

A study of the rudiments of music and their notation. Harmonization of melodies and basses with fundamental triads. Aspects of form and analysis. Music core course. Prerequisite: MSC 101 and MSC 121 with a C- or better, or permission of the instructor. 2 credits.

Three from the following music literature courses:
MSC 100 Experience Music

What makes music "good"? Why does certain music stand the test of time? Have you ever wondered why a certain kind of music appeals to you? Instead of letting Pandora do all the work, this class will train students to analyze music using the knowledge of the different elements: timbre, melody, harmony, rhythm/beat/meter, form, and the link between words and music. We will discern how these elements in genres from classical to rock music gives us the emotional experience we feel when we listen. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. This class is restricted for non-music majors only. 3 credits.

MSC 201 The Roots of American Music

One of the central concerns of this course is the ability of music to represent American identity. Of particular interest are the historic contributions of minority peoples, to the rich diversity of musical styles in the United States. This course considers the importance of geographic and ethnic origins of a particular musical style as well as the consequences of a market-driven music industry, which historically has privileged some groups over others. Fulfills requirement: Human Diversity. Prerequisite: MSC 101 or 115 or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.

MSC 202 World Musics

A general introduction to musical styles, compositional practices, and aesthetics of specific people groups within the Americas, Asia, and Africa. It discusses traditional, popular, and art music styles, and presents music intimately tied to value systems and social practice. Fulfills requirement: Human Diversity. 3 credits.

MSC 206 In the Groove: 100 Years of Recorded Music

An in-depth analysis of the seminal recordings of the music industry. Milestone records representing the art of recorded music will be studied from conception to marketing. Examples of such recordings include Sgt. Pepper, Dark Side of the Moon, OK Computer, Band on the Run, and more. The goal is to discover why and how the records studied have become the high art of the music industry. Fulfills requirement: . 3 credits.

MSC 241 Introduction to Music History

This course approaches music as part of human experience globally. It focuses on selected examples of music-making and communication networks across diverse cultures and time periods. As students learn this content, they practice music history methods by creating music history research questions, investigating them, and presenting their findings. Fulfills requirement: Social Scientific Inquiry,Human Diversity. Prerequisite: MSC 101, 115, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.

MSC 242 History of Western Art Music, 1730-1950

A survey course in the history of Western art music with emphasis on the common practice period, which is music that is performed today in concert and opera. The course teaches key characteristics of music from the late Baroque, Classic, Romantic, and early 20th-Century time periods. The composers covered are from Western Europe and the United States. This course is required of students in the BS in Music Education degree program and fulfills a music history elective for students in the BA in Music and BM in Music Production programs. Fulfills requirement: Humanistic Perspectives. Prerequisite: MSC 101, MSC 115, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.

MSC 343 20th Century Art Music

An advanced course in music history. Beginning with late-19th-century musical developments, the course continues chronologically through the 20th century. Designed for music majors and interested non-majors who read music well. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. Prerequisite: MSC 115 or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.

Minors must also take MUI (Individual Instruction) for four semesters and must participate in any music ensemble for four semesters.