CCCOnline LogoCourse Snapshot for MUS120 - Music Appreciation

The information listed below is subject to change. Please review the course syllabus within your online course at the start of class.

Course Competencies

The competencies you will demonstrate in this course are as follows:

  1. Define basic musical terms and demonstrate the ability to recognize their use in a musical composition.
  2. Identify musical instruments by category, sight, and sound.
  3. Demonstrate ability to define and identify various musical genres.
  4. Identify various musical forms that are applied to both instrumental and vocal compositions.
  5. Characterize and name periods in Western music history.
  6. Recall representative composers and compositions during each period.
  7. Compare and contrast various attitudes towards music, musical composition, and musicians from different historical periods and cultures.
  8. Demonstrate ability to listen appreciatively and intelligently to the rich heritage of both Western and non-Western music.
  9. Develop concert etiquette.
  10. Evaluate musical works in relation to the societies in which they were created.
Learning concepts for this course are enchanced using modules, websites, and online discussions.

Module Outcomes Mapped to Competencies

The module outcomes that will permit you to demonstrate course competencies are:

Module 1
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Practice active listening. A,B,C,D,I
2 Discuss how the basic elements of music function together in a composition. A,B,C,D
3 Identify the defining characteristics of Medieval and Renaissance music. E,F,G,H  
4 Make connections between the musical and cultural developments in the Middle Ages and Renaissance to contemporary music and culture. E,F,G,H  
5 Name some of the most influential composers of the Medieval and Renaissance eras. G,H
6 Listen and compare the music of influential Medieval and Renaissance era composers.  G,H
7 Explore different types of chant around the world. C,E
8 Research music websites and assess their credibility and usefulness. J,K
Module 2
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Explore the influence of J.S. Bach in contemporary music.  H,F  
2 Identify major characteristics of Baroque music.  A,C,D,E,F, G,H  
3 Make connections between the musical and cultural developments in the Baroque era to contemporary music and world culture.  E,F,K
4 Identify some important compositions from the Baroque and Classical eras and link those compositions to the correct genre, form, instrumentation and composer.  C,D,G,H  
5 Name some of the most influential composers of the Baroque and Classical eras. G,H 
6 Listen and compare the music of influential Baroque and Classical era composers. G,H
7 Compose a research paper about music from your own ethnic heritage.  I,J,K
Module 3
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Explore the nature of musical genius, and how that affects our impression of musicians today.  F 
2 Identify major characteristics of Classical and Romantic era music.  A,C,D,E,F,G,H
3 Make connections between the musical and cultural developments in the Classical era to contemporary music and world culture.  E,F,K 
4 Identify some important compositions from the Classical era and link those compositions to the correct genre, form, instrumentation and composer. C,D,G,H
5 Name some of the most influential composers of the Baroque and Classical eras. G,H
6 Listen and compare the music of influential Baroque and Classical era composers. G,H 
7 Discuss some of the ways that music is used to make political statements.  F,K
8 Find and discuss examples of how orchestras are used in nontraditional musical setting today.  B,F,K
9 Compose a research paper on an Academy Award winning film score.   J,K
Module 4
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Explore the rise of famous virtuosos, and how that led to modern-day musical stars. C,E,F  
2 Identify major characteristics of Romantic music.  A,C,D,E,F,G,H 
3 Make connections between the musical and cultural developments in the Romantic era to contemporary music and world culture.  E,F,K 
4 Identify some important compositions from the Romantic era and link those compositions to the correct genre, form, instrumentation and composer.  C,D,G,H
5 Name some of the most influential composers of the Baroque and Classical eras.  G,H
6 Listen and compare the music of influential Baroque and Classical era composers.   G,H
7 Identify some historic roles for women in music, and explore some stereotypes that still exist in contemporary music.  F,I,J,K  
8 Discuss the evolution of opera from its genesis to modern rock operas.  F,I,J,K
9 Find a live classical concert to attend or compile a list of musical pieces to begin a music portfolio.  A,B,C,E,F,G,H,I,J,K
Module 5
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Explore the effects of globalization in music through the 20th century to the present time. C,E,F
2 Identify major characteristic of music in the 20th and 21st centuries.  A,C,D,E,F,G,H
3 Make connections between the musical and cultural developments in the 20th century to contemporary music and world culture.  E,F,K  
4 Identify some important compositions from the 20th and 21st centuries and link those compositions to the correct genre, form, instrumentation and composer.  C,D,G,H  
5 Name some of the most influential composers of the modern era.  G,H 
6 Listen and compare the music of influential modern era composers.   G,H 
7 Analyze a piece of music from the 20th or 21st centuries using musical terminology. A,I,J,K
8 Identify new ways that music is heard in contemporary culture.  F,I,J,K
9 Compose a paper that summarizes the information learned in this class, either by attending a live classical concert, or by compiling a portfolio of musical pieces that span music history. A,B,C,E,F,G,H,I,J,K

Course Time Commitment and Expectations

The semester schedule for this course may be 15 weeks, 10 weeks, or 6 weeks in duration. Based on the course format, this table shows the approximate amount of time you should plan to spend per week on this course. This includes time to read/listen to the online content, participate in discussion forums, complete all assignments, and study the course material.

For accelerated courses, the amount of time required per week is greater. Note that regardless of course format, the course material is the same and all course competencies, module outcomes, and assignments will be covered.

Course Activity Hours and Student Learning Hours
Course Credit Hours Course Format (Duration) Pace Relative to a 15 Week Course Course Activity Hours Student Learning Hours Per Week
3 15 Weeks - 135 8.5 to 9.5
3 10 Weeks 1.5x faster 135 12.5 to 14.5
3 6 Weeks 2.5x faster 135 21 to 24

Aside from typical reading assignments, this course has the following (Please Note: This list is subject to change based on the discretion of the instructor facilitating this course.):

Summary of Grading
Assignment Points %
Discussions (10 @ 10 points each) 100 10%
InQuizitives (30 @ 20 points each) 600 60%
Papers (2 @ 100 points each) 200 20%
Prepare for Your Final Project A or B Assignment 20 02%
Final Project  80 08%
TOTAL 1000 100%
Grading Scale
A = 90 to 100% B = 80 to 89% C = 70 to 79% D = 60 to 69% F = 59% and below

CCCOnline Course Quality Commitment

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