Special Topics

Introductory courses and courses devoted to Special Topics


Mu 121. Understanding Music. 9 units (3-0-6); to be offered Fall 1997.
This course is intended for those with little or no background in music or those who want to "brush up" their understanding of music fundamentals and the history of Western European & North American music traditions. The first 3 weeks of the course is devoted to basic elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc.) followed by a general period-by-period survey from Antiquity to the 20th Century. Strongly recommended as an introduction to other music courses.

Mu 122. Form and Style in Music. 9 units (3-0-6); to be offered Winter 1998.
This course is usually devoted to a single genre (such as opera, the symphony, the concerto etc.) and is intended to deepen the student's understanding of various composers' approach to similar forms of music expression. Most recently, the course was devoted to the history of opera, with particular emphasis on the 18th through 20th centuries. Class time consisted of 1/3 - 1/2 lecture/demonstration and 1/2 - 2/3 video presentations of operatic excerpts. Students also attended the outrageously silly LA Music Center Opera production of Rossini's "The Italian Girl in Algiers" and a stunning production of Mozart's "CosĖ fan tutte."

Mu 123. Major Figures. 9 units (3-0-6); to be offered Spring 1998.
As the name implies, Mu 123 explores the music of a single figure or, at most, a couple of individuals. The course may coincide with major concerts on- or off-campus or important commemorations, anniversaries or other events. In the past, composers studied included Mozart, Bach, and Handel. During the Spring, 1996 term, several students created web pages devoted to one or more sacred works by major figures. These include Mozart's Requeim, Britten's War Requeim, Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms, Beethoven's Missa Solemnis, Berlioz's Requiem, and Bach's B minor Mass. A Beethoven course or course on Women Composers are suggestions for future issues of Mu 123.

EE/Mu 107 abc. Projects in Music and Science.
This course is taught by James Boyk who, along with being a fine scientist, is a wonderful pianist with a long list of performances and recordings to his credit. Dr. Boyk offers an informal get-together most every Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 in Dabney Lounge where he plays and discusses a wide variety of music. His discussion/recitals are informative, enlightening and entertaining.

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