Academic Catalogs

MUS C100: History and Appreciation of Music

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Top Code 100400 - Music
Units 3 Total Units 
Hours 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Open Entry/Open Exit No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S), 
  • Pass/No Pass (B)
Local General Education (GE)
  • Area 3A Arts (CC1)
California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)
  • Cal-GETC 3A Arts (3A)
Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)
  • IGETC 3A Arts (3A)
California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth)
  • CSU C1 Arts (C1)

Course Description

Study of major genres, forms, styles, and historical periods in music since the Middle Ages. Emphasis on listening techniques, appreciation of classical and popular music, and recognition of styles, composers, and periods. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. C-ID: MUS 100.C-ID: MUS 100.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Apply listening skills developed in class to identify composer, era, and/or genre from a given short musical example.
  2. Compare and contrast the stylistic traits of each of the major historical periods (Romantic, Baroque, Classical, etc.) and genres (symphony, opera, concerto, etc.) in music.
  3. Analyze a given musical example based on its musical elements/properties (rhythm, harmony, forms, etc.).
  4. Critique a musical performance based on understanding of musical performance practices.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the elements of music by using appropriate terminology.
  • 2. Identify musical instruments and ensembles.
  • 3. Analyze and evaluate musical performances.
  • 4. Discuss music in its historic context.

Lecture Content

Introduction to Musical Materials Elements of Music Rhythm Melody Harmony Form Texture Timbre and Tone Color Tempo Dynamics and Orchestration Instruments of the Orchestra The Middle Ages Its Music Composers Characteristics The Renaissance Its Music Composers Characteristics The Baroque Its Music Composers Characteristics The Classical Period Its Music Composers Characteristics The Romantic Period Its Music Composers Characteristics The 20th Century Its Music Composers Characteristics New Trends in Music Popular Styles in American Music

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
  • DE Online Lecture (02X)

Instructional Techniques

Lectures, discussions, music listening, a concert viewing.

Reading Assignments

Students will be given readings from the most appropriate texts and websites as determined by the instructor. Students will be expected to do approximately two to three hours of reading per week.

Writing Assignments

Students will be expected to spend an average of one hour per week on writing assignments. Writing assignments will be determined by individual instructors and may include papers focused material relevant to the listening and reading assignments.

Out-of-class Assignments

Out-of-class assignments will amount to an average of three hours per week and will be determined by individual instructors. Assignments may include listening assignments, video reviews, online discussions, individual/group projects, field trips, and studying for quizzes and exams.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Written assignments, which may include required listening assignments, research essays, reaction papers to videos, directed discussions and/or comparison essays.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Written assignments, which may include required listening assignments, research essays, reaction papers to videos, directed discussions and/or comparison essays.

Eligible Disciplines

Music: Master's degree in music OR bachelor's degree in music AND master's degree in humanities OR the equivalent. Master's degree required.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Machlis, Joseph; Forney, Kristine. The Enjoyment of Music, ed. W.W. Norton and Company, 2018 Rationale: - 2. Required Chiego, John. The Musical Experience, 4th ed. Kendall Hunt, 2017

Other Resources

1. Coastline Library