COURSE SYLLABUS

FOR
MUS 2420-91
Spring 2016
Online Course
Integrated Writing Class

Please print out this syllabus for your reference throughout the course. If you
have any questions, please e-mail me through Pilot.

PLEASE CAREFULLY READ ALL 5 PAGES OF THIS DOCUMENT

WELCOME TO MUS 2420-SECTION 91
COMPARATIVE NON-WESTERN CULTURES: MUSIC
This is a Spring semester online course taught through Pilot and Wright State University. Since some of
you have never taken an online course before, and since no two courses are exactly alike, it is important
that everyone understands how this class works.
Let's talk about what you need for this class. You need a computer and a way of playing audio music.
Wright State may send you an e-mail giving you details on specific requirements for your computer and all
the log-on procedures for this class. Questions of this nature should be directed to the CaTS "Help
Desk."
You will also need a textbook which comes with a digital access code so that you can access the
publishers listening database. You should get this book at the campus bookstore. You may decide to
order the textbook from other places (though make sure it is new so that it has an unused/valid
access codeotherwise you will need to contact the publisher and purchase the access code
separately). Your book and digital listening are the primary reference source for you, and many of the
test questions are based on listening.

The Mandatory Textbook and Recordings are:

SOUNDSCAPES, by Kay Kaufman Shelemay
Published by: WW Norton (THIRD Edition with Digital Access Code)
ISBN number is: 9780393918281

A word about copyright

The original content of the following web pages, the recordings, and the textbook are all copyrighted by
WW Norton. To use or alter this information without the consent of the publisher is illegal. Students who
purchased the textbook are allowed access to these materials. Students who do not purchase the
textbook are in violation of copyright and subject to prosecution.
The Wright State University and Pilot version of these materials are for use by students enrolled in Mr.
Aldredges MUS 2420 classes only. The following web pages, assignments, and other course content
have been designed and altered by the instructor for use in this class only. To copy, alter, or use these
materials or ideas in an environment other than this original purpose, is contrary, and in violation of
copyright.

Office of Disability Services

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency
medical information to share, or if you need special arrangements to take this class, please contact me as
soon as possible and/or contact the WSU Office of Disability Services.

Wright State Core, Integrated Writing and MUS 2420

This class is a Wright State Core course and can be used to fulfill the requirements for Elements 3 and
Elements 4, or as an additional (elective) course. Also, this class is an integrated writing (IW) writing
across the curriculum (WAC) course and fulfills those requirements. You should be able to produce
writing that:
1. Demonstrates understanding of course content
2. Is appropriate for the audience and purpose of a particular writing task
3. Demonstrates the degree of mastery of disciplinary writing conventions appropriate to the course
(including documentation conventions, if required), and
4. Shows competency in standard edited American English

Element 3:
MUS 2420 is part of Element 3 of the Wright State Core. After taking this course, students should be able
to
a. Critically describe some of the political, social or economic systems, historical, cultural or spiritual
traditions, and/or technological innovations around the world
b. Demonstrate an awareness of the diversity of people or traditions in our world in ways that promote
effective engagement, both locally and globally
c. Use political, social, economic, historical, cultural, spiritual or technological knowledge to evaluate
contemporary issues
Element 3 requirements will be evaluated through both testing and writing assignments.

Element 4:
MUS 2420 is part of Element 4 of the Wright State Core. After taking this course, students should be able
to
a. Critically analyze significant creative, literary, philosophical or religious works
b. Understand and discuss the complex blend of imaginative vision, socio-cultural context, ethical values,
and aesthetic judgment in creative, philosophical or religious works
c. Recognize, evaluate and respond to creative, philosophical or religious works
d. Develop appropriate and ethical applications of knowledge in the humanities or the arts.
Element 4 requirements will be evaluated through both testing and writing assignments.

How this class is organized

There are 10 lessons in this class and approximately 15 weeks to do them. These lessons correspond
with the chapters in your textbook. Each lesson is like a lecture, so just like a live classroom, several
concepts are usually taught during one lecture period (in a chapter of the book). One of the advantages
of online learning is that you can take longer to explore favorite or more complicated lessons. You can
study the chapters of your book at your own pace, but studying 1 chapter per 8-9 days may help
those of you who might benefit from some sort of external structure. Just be careful not to get
behind.

An Important Thing to Remember!

For testing purposes you are only responsible for the material in your book and listening. Be sure to have

the class completely finished by 11PM EST on Friday, April 29, 2016 (the Friday of finals week). No
assignments or tests will be available after that date.

This is What You Do To Get Started

Log in to WINGS, then click the Academics tab, then click the Pilot link. Once you have located and
selected this course in Pilot, under the "Content" tab you will see a variety of study and listening
materials that you will have access to with the digital code that came with your NEW textbook.
Each chapter in your book includes several examples of music and several examples of recorded music
on the Norton website. It is very important to read each chapter carefully and listen thoughtfully to
the examples.

This is How You will be Evaluated in this Class

5 Tests: there are five tests given in this class. Each one is approximately 60 multiple choice
questions. YOU MAY TAKE THESE TESTS AT ANY TIME YOU CHOOSE ONCE THEY BECOME
AVAILABLE (3RD WEEK OF CLASS). These tests are given on-line and all tests must be completed
by the date and time listed on this syllabus. These tests are not comprehensive. Each test is worth
approximately 60 points toward your grade. The tests are given only once, have a 2 hour time limit, and
you will not be permitted to go back to a question after it has been answered. The tests are graded for
you automatically, so you will know your score as soon as you are finished. I strongly encourage you to
take your tests in the computer labs on campus. You will have access to a good computer and help
available if you encounter a problem. If during the testing process you encounter a computer related
problem (or if you need guidance on how to take a test on Pilot), contact CaTS help desk; they are
highly qualified and very helpful!
TESTS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE DURING THE 2ND WEEK OF CLASS.

4 Writing Assignments: You will also be required to write 4 essays, all of which you will place
in the Dropbox (these are accessible only by me).
THE TOPIC PROMPTS FOR ALL WRITING ASSIGNMENTS ARE FOUND IN THE INSTRUCTIONS
FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL DROPBOX.
Essay topics you are to write on are listed in the instructions once you have clicked on the Dropbox.
These essays should be the equivalent of at least one single-space typed page (500-word minimum per
essay). They should include links and references to as many specifics as possible. Be sure to label your
essay with your name and make it clear what topic you are writing about. Only I will see your 4 Dropbox
essays. There are 4 available topics (dropbox folders) AND YOU MUST WRITE AN ESSAY ON EACH
ESSAY TOPIC (in other words, you may not repeat topics).

IN ORDER TO SATISFY ELEMENTS 3 AND 4 OF THE WRIGHT STATE CORE,

YOUR ESSAYS HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY SELECTED IN ORDER TO INVOLVE
MUSIC OF NON-WESTERN CULTURES. THIS IS MANDATORY.

Grading the Writing Assignments

The essays will be graded by me and I will post your grade confidentially in the grades area. These
essays will be given points based on your work. I will try to be liberal in these evaluations, but your writing

should demonstrate thought and preparation. These writing assignments are intended for you to use your
new knowledge and vocabulary. Source citations and documentation are not necessary.

A Note about Word-counts

Though I am a liberal grader when it comes to style, the word-count should be a minimum of 500
words for EACH essay. Any amount less than 500 will result in a deduction dependent on the
amount of words you turn in. For each essay, every 100 words equals 5 points; for instance: if
you turn in a discussion essay of 400 words, your maximum achievable score will then be 20/25,
no matter how good it is. While essays more than 500 words are always welcome, remember 500
is the MINIMUM!!

IMPORTANT: Because this is an Integrated Writing course, you

cannot pass this course without completing ALL writing assignments.
Students who dont complete ALL 4 writing assignments will receive
an automatic F.
Grading
Grades will be factored on a simple point system. So a summary of the evaluation will consist of the
following:
Exam I=60 pts. Exam II=60 pts. Exam III=60 pts. Exam IV=60 pts. Exam V=60 pts.
Essay I=25 pts. Essay II=25 Essay III=25 pts. Essay IV=25 pts.
TOTAL=400 pts.
Grading Evaluation: 90-100% =A, 80-89% = B, 70-79% = C, 60-69%= D, 60 %= F
To contact me
Steven Aldredge
Office: M348 Creative Arts Center
Office hours available by appointment
The preferred method of contacting me is through the course site on Pilot
937-775-2346

ALL CORRESPONDENCE FROM ME WILL COME THROUGH PILOT; IF

YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO ACCESS YOUR PILOT EMAIL,
CONTACT THE CaTS HELP DESK
About Health and Safety
The School of Music, as required by the National Association of Schools of Music, is obligated to
inform students and faculty of health and safety issues, hazards, and procedures inherent in
practice, performance, teaching, and listening both in general and as applicable to their specific
specializations. This includes but is not limited to information regarding hearing, vocal and
musculoskeletal health, injury prevention, and the use, proper handling, and operation of

potentially dangerous materials, equipment, and technology.

To find out more, follow this link:
https://liberal-arts.wright.edu/music/advising/health-and-safety-information

Where to go with Questions

I will be happy to answer any questions related to course content. I know I mentioned this before, but it
cant be stressed to strongly: when it comes to computer questions, you should direct those
questions to the help desk at WSU CaTS. They have computer and software experts there that
can access your account and take care of almost anything.
Since this is an online course, you can take the tests or turn in writing assignments at any time convenient
to you--but be sure to have everything completed by the final due date and time, because the class
will automatically close down at that time and no assignments will be accepted.

TESTING
TEST 1--- Covers Chapters 1-2
TEST 2---- Covers Chapters 3-4
TEST 3--- Covers Chapters 5-6
TEST 4---- Covers Chapters 7-8
TEST 5--- Covers Chapters 9-10

REMEMBER: ALL TESTS AND WRITING ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED BY 11:00 PM

(EST), Friday, April 29, 2016 (The Friday of finals week)

THIS SYLLABUS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE IF THE INSTRUCTOR

DEEMS SUCH CHANGE TO BE BENEFICIAL TO THE CLASS