Office of the Registrar
School of Music (2022/2023)
13.4 Musicologies Courses

1005

Thinking and Writing About Music I

is designed to develop listening, critical thinking, research and writing skills through selected cross-cultural topics and themes exploring the relationship between music and society. This course has strong listening and writing components.

CR: MUS 2012, the former MUS 1002

PR: MUS 1120 or MUS 1106 or successful completion of theory placement test or admission to the Bachelor of Music degree program. The ability to read music is required.

1006

Thinking and Writing about Music II

s a continuation of MUS 1005.

PR: MUS 1005

2005

History of Western Classical Music I

examines Western classical music from Antiquity to c. 1750, with an emphasis on the study of musical genres and styles within their social contexts. This course has strong listening and writing components and continues to develop research skills.

CO: MUS 1107

CR: the former MUS 1003

PR: MUS 1006

2006

History of Western Classical Music II

examines Western classical music from the Classical and Romantic Periods, with an emphasis on the study of musical genres and styles within their social contexts. This course has strong listening and writing components and continues to develop research skills.

CR: the former MUS 2002

PR: MUS 2005

2011

North American Popular Music

examines the development of North American popular music from its origins in the mid-nineteenth century to the present. The course examines major musical genres, their historical roots, their musical characteristics, the influences that shaped them and the artists who defined them. It explores sociopolitical issues embedded in popular music, as well as how music has evolved to express new conceptions of self and community, social anxieties, tensions and ideals. No prior musical knowledge is required.

UL: not applicable to the Bachelor of Music Degree

2012

Understanding Classical Music: Introduction Through Guided Listening

is a course designed to enhance and develop listening skills and an understanding of the basic elements of music. Form and musical style in Western classical music will be explored within a cultural and historical context. Through guided listening, the student will be exposed to a variety of musical styles and traditions. This course has a strong listening component. The ability to read music is not required.

CR: MUS 1005, 1006, 2005, 2006 or the former MUS 1000, 1001, 1002,1003, 1010, 1020 or 1021

UL: not applicable to the Bachelor of Music Degree.

2013

Twentieth-Century Musicals

(same as English 2013) is a survey of twentieth-century musical theatre. Selected works, presenting different styles and periods, will be examined in detail. There will be a strong, required listening/viewing component to this course. The ability to read music is not required.

CR: MUS 3007, English 2013

UL: not applicable to the Bachelor of Music Degree.

2014

Introduction to World Music

provides an introduction to the musics of selected cultures and contemporary intercultural communities. Drawing on topics and issues in ethnomusicology, it focuses on musical practices, beliefs, and techniques. It is intended to develop listening skills, broaden musical horizons, as well as to enable a deeper understanding of the way music functions in relation to social groups and individual lives.

UL: not applicable to the Bachelor of Music Degree.

2021

Newfoundland and Labrador Folksinging

is an introduction to the sociocultural contexts, functions, and meanings of folksong in Newfoundland and Labrador. Proceeding from this contextual base drawn from oral and scholarly histories, the course offers practical instruction by a tradition-bearer in the singing of traditional Newfoundland and Labrador tunes and texts, using the techniques of aural transmission and assisted by the written medium where appropriate.

UL: no more than 3 credit hours from the 2021-2023 series may be applied toward the Bachelor of Music Degree

2022

Newfoundland and Labrador Fiddling

is an introduction to the sociocultural contexts, functions, and meanings of fiddling in Newfoundland and Labrador. Proceeding from this contextual base drawn from oral histories, the course offers practical instruction by a tradition-bearer on the fiddle, using the techniques of aural transmission and assisted by the written medium where appropriate.

UL: no more than 3 credit hours from the 2021-2023 series may be applied toward the Bachelor of Music Degree

2023

Newfoundland and Labrador Accordion

is an introduction to the sociocultural contexts, functions, and meanings of accordion music in Newfoundland and Labrador. Proceeding from this contextual base drawn from oral histories, the course offers practical instruction by a tradition-bearer on the button accordion, using the techniques of aural transmission and assisted by the written medium where appropriate.

UL: no more than 3 credit hours from the 2021-2023 series may be applied toward the Bachelor of Music Degree

3004

The Development of Symphonic Music

(formerly MUS 3020) is a study of the development of symphonic literature from the late Baroque era to the present day. Selected compositions, representing different periods and styles, will be examined in detail. This course has a strong listening component.

CR: the former MUS 3020

PR: MUS 2005

3005

The Development of Opera

is a study of the development of opera from the beginnings to the present day. Selected operas, representing different periods and styles, will be examined in detail. This course has a strong listening component.

PR: MUS 2005

3006

The History of the Concerto

is a study of the development of the concerto from the late Baroque until the present day. Selected compositions, representing different styles and periods, will be examined in detail. This course has a strong listening component.

PR: MUS 2005

3007

A History of Popular Music in Drama

is a survey of popular music styles in drama from the rise of the Singspiel to the musicals of Andrew Lloyd Weber. Selected works, representing different styles and periods, will be examined in detail. This course has a strong listening component.

CR: MUS 2013, English 2013

PR: MUS 2005 or permission of the instructor

3009

Music in the Modern World

examines music in the Western world in the 20th and 21st centuries. Focused themes address a wide range of genres and styles with particular attention to music's interaction with the other arts and with society. This course has strong listening and writing components and continues to develop research skills.

CR: the former MUS 2003

PR: MUS 2006

3012

Music and Health

provides an introduction to the use of music within the context of health and wellbeing in clinical and community settings, with a focus on Western applications. It includes an overview of music therapy, community music, health musicking, music in everyday life, music and healing, and edutainment for health promotion, as well as an introduction to different understandings of health and healthcare. This course has strong research and writing components.

PR: MUS 1006

3013

Music and Ecology

explores the complex relationships between sound, music, humans/nonhumans, and the environment. Through a series of global case studies, we will examine how humans create, express, and sustain relationships with their surrounding environments through music. We will consider topics including the soundscapes of diverse environments; environmental activism; music and sustainability; music in response to natural and technological disasters; zoomusicology; Indigenous perspectives on music and the environment; and portrayals of nature music.

PR: completion of at least 48 credit hours of university course work

3014

Musics of Asia and Oceania

is a survey of musical practices in Asia and Oceania. Using a topical approach (e.g., gender expression, globalization, colonialism), students will be exposed to musical genres, theory, and aesthetics of peoples of East, Central, Southeast, and South Asia, and Indigenous Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. Listening is a strong component of this course.

PR: MUS 1120 with a minimum mark of 75% or MUS 1106 or equivalent and completion of at least 48 credit hours of university course work.

3015

Music of Africa and the Americas

is a survey of Indigenous music/dance practices on three continents. Emphasis is on sub-Saharan African musics and their manifestations in the Americas as an outcome of the Atlantic slave trade. Study of Indigenous North American music will center on non-ceremonial practices of the Northeast. Students will develop insight into local theories and aesthetics of musicking. Listening is a strong component of this course.

PR: MUS 1120 with a minimum mark of 75% or MUS 1106 or equivalent and completion of at least 48 credit hours of university course work

3016

Music in Canada

examines musical movements and cultures in Canada's history, from colonial times to the present. Students will be introduced to Indigenous and diasporic musics in classical, popular, and vernacular idioms. We will examine musical practices in a variety of urban, rural, and commercial contexts. This course has strong listening, research, and writing components.

PR: MUS 1120 with a minimum mark of 75% or MUS 1106 or equivalent and completion of at least 48 credit hours of university course work

3017

Music, Song and Tradition

(same as Folklore 3200) introduces students to a wide range of traditional song. Students will hear and discuss local, regional and international examples. Ability to read music or familiarity with music theory not required.

CH: 3

CR: FOLK 3200, the former FOLK 4445

3018

History of Jazz

(same as Folklore 3618) examines the musical, cultural, and historical aspects of jazz from the genre’s African roots and 19th century precursors to today. Through lectures, readings, and guided listening, students will develop an understanding of the diverse artistic practices and complex social history that have shaped the genre. The lives and achievements of influential artists will be explored in the context of ongoing racial injustice and inequity in the music industry and society more broadly.

CR: Folklore 3618

3019

Popular Music Studies

will explore a number of genres in the historical development of world popular music and dance, along some of the following themes: the roles of race, class, gender, sexuality, age. and ability in popular music production and reception; processes and effects of mass media and technology in shaping genres and consumers' experience of them; and cross-cultural influences within and across national borders.

PR: MUS 1120 with a minimum mark of 75% or MUS 1106 or equivalent and completion of at least 24 credit hours of university course work

3060

Voice Literature and Performance Practice

- inactive course.

3070

Piano Literature and Performance Practice

- inactive course.

4001

The First Viennese School

is a study of the music composed in the Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1770 to 1800. The works of Haydn, Mozart and the young Beethoven will be investigated with particular emphasis on musical style, performance practices and cultural context. Listening will focus on complete works or extended excerpts.

PR: MUS 2006

4002

Studies in Baroque Music

is an examination of aspects of musical style and performance practices in the baroque period through the study of selected topics and specific musical examples. The course includes reading assignments, listening, score reading, and taking part in class demonstrations.

PR: MUS 2006

4003

Special Topics in Musicologies

will be announced by the School of Music.

CH: 1 per semester

UL: may only obtain a maximum of 3 credit hours

4004

Special Topics in Musicologies

will be announced by the School of Music.

CH: 2 per semester

UL: may only obtain a maximum of 4 credit hours

4005

Special Topics in Musicologies

will be announced by the School of Music.

UL: may only obtain a maximum of 6 credit hours

4040

Music and Culture

(same as Folklore 4440, the former Anthropology 4440, the former MUS 4440) examines traditional music as an aspect of human behaviour in Western and non-European cultures. Examination of the functions and uses of music; folk- popular-art music distinctions; and the relation of style to content. Outside reading, class exercises and individual reports will be required.

CR: Folklore 4440, the former Anthropology 4440, the former MUS 4440

PR: completion of at least 24 credit hours of university course work

UL: not applicable towards the Major or Minor in Anthropology

4095

Graduating Essay

is directed study which will result in the production of an original paper dealing with a topic in musicologies (including but not limited to music history, ethnomusicology, and popular music studies). This course is restricted to Musicologies Majors. A one-page research proposal and sample bibliography of at least ten items must be submitted to the Dean by the end of the seventh week of classes in the previous semester.

PR: admission to the Musicologies Major

AR = Attendance requirement; CH = Credit hours are 3 unless otherwise noted; CO = Co-requisite(s); CR = Credit can be retained for only one course from the set(s) consisting of the course being described and the course(s) listed; LC = Lecture hours per week are 3 unless otherwise noted; LH = Laboratory hours per week; OR = Other requirements of the course such as tutorials, practical sessions, or seminars; PR = Prerequisite(s); UL = Usage limitation(s).