The historical and philosophical foundations of music in America
Credit Hours: 3
Spring Semester 2007
Prerequisites: none
Location of class: MB 4147
Time: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays from 1:00pm to 1:50pm
Instructor: Dr. Dan Keast
MB 4146 Office phone: 552-4292; FAX: 552-3280
E-mail (most effective): keast_d@utpb.edu
Office Hours: By appointment.
Course Description: The purpose of this course is for students to gain an overview of the historical, cultural, and philosophical foundations that have shaped and directed music education in America and abroad.
Text and Required Materials:
1. Reimer, B. (2003). A philosophy of music education: Advancing the vision (3rd
ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
2. Mark, M. L. & Gary, C. L. (1999). A history of American music education (2nd
ed.). Reston, VA: MENC.
Objectives: The students will:
1. demonstrate familiarity with, and understanding of, the political/historical/philosophical bases for, and issues related to, the implementation of music into American schools.
2. articulate, through presentations and summative assessments, how music was taught using tune books.
3. present their philosophical beliefs and discuss them in regard to Reimer, Elliott, other classmates, or other philosophers discussed in class.
4. examine, discuss, and apply research related to philosophical and historical foundations of music teaching and learning.
Evaluation of Learning: (see course calendar for due dates)
% of grade
CB - Check out 10 books from Dunagan Library [due Feb 1st]
15% 1. Written exam (in class: March 9th)
5% 2. 1st Position paper (due: January 31st)
5% 3. 2nd Position paper (due: March 28th)
5% 4. 3rd Position paper (due: April 4th)
5% 5. 4th Position paper (due: April 11th)
5% 6. 5th Position paper (due: April 18th)
5% 7. 6th Position paper (due: April 25th)
20% 8. Class preparation and presentations
5% Tunebooks presentation (due: March 2nd)
5% 'Isms presentation (due: March 23rd)
5% History of American performing ensembles (due: February 19th)
10% Contributions to discussion
5% Misc. assignments
30% 9. Philosophy paper
5% Outline (due: April 6th)
5% Application scenario description (for philosophy) (due: April 11th)
5% Complete rough draft (due: April 18th)
5% Writing Workshop (in class: April 23rd)
10% Final draft (due: April 30th)
10% 10. Individual Final oral exam (by appointment during finals week)
Specific details of all assignments referenced above are posted on WebCT and print copies may be obtained through that service. Any assignment posted on WebCT falls fully under the auspices of this syllabus.
Written Exam:
The memorized exam will take place during the March 9th class session. Students will be expected to write about historical trends and issues as they have been discussed in class. Some questions will require the student to apply course material to novel or speculative simulations. Evaluation will be based on thoroughness and skill in written communication.
Position Papers:
Students will write six "position papers" on aspects of topics under current discussion. Use double spacing, 12-14-point font, and standard margins. Prepare to deliver these papers in class. Evaluations will be based on clarity, refinement, expression, and originality of thought.
Class Preparation and Presentations:
Students will be expected to prepare readings for each class period. Some of these readings will be in required texts, while others will be available on WebCT. In addition, students will be asked on occasion to present material pertinent to the topic scheduled for that day. Evaluation will be based on thoroughness of preparation and participation in class discussion or other activities.
Philosophy Paper:
Students will prepare an essay formally expressing their philosophy of music education. The paper should include two parts:
A. Based on philosophical concepts, consider such issues as why music should be taught in the schools, how music should be taught, who should be taught music, and what should be learned. Inclusion of pertinent literature is expected (Elliot, Langer, Leonard, and/or Reimer).
B. Implement your philosophy of music education into a given music classroom. Choose the setting with which you are most familiar. In this part, describe your students, choose appropriate teaching methods, and develop evaluation strategies. The linkage with Part A should be explicit.
For such a paper, page lengths are difficulty to specify. Formal expositions, however, usually require about 15-20 word-processed pages, including references. Please do not go beyond 25 pages. Use double-spacing, 14 point font, and standard margins. Prepare a formal delivery of your paper for the final course meeting (but please do not read it to us). Evaluation will be based on clarity, refinement, expression, and originality of thought.
Oral Exam:
The oral examination will take place individually with the instructor during the week of finals and will be about 30 minutes in length. Students will be expected to demonstrate philosophical knowledge and to discuss pertinent philosophical issues. Evaluation will be based on thoroughness and ability to articulate.
Format for Papers:
14 point Times New Roman font
Double-spaced
1 inch margins (top, bottom, and sides)
APA or MLA styles are acceptable
All student work is graded on individual merit and completion of assignment’s objective(s) as per the standards set forth prior to the assignment’s due dates. Graded work will be returned as quickly as possible with feedback
to support the grade earned.
Policy on Late Work:
All work is due the date set below or as announced by Dr. Keast. Late work is rare and subject to a lowering of the grade (up to 5% per day). If an absence is eminent, please advise Dr. Keast (keast_d@utpb.edu) well in advance with a brief email stating the date and reason for the absence. Any work or exam scheduled for that day will need to be completed in advance or upon your return to class.
Course Calendar
Wk 1: Introduction, resources, texts, and syllabus
Preliminaries to American music education
Wk 2: New England roots: Before Bay Psalm Book to Billings and beyond
Reading: Mark & Gary 4-5
DUE: 1st position paper
Wk 3: Early and Middle 19th century: Lowell Mason; Beginnings of music in public schools; growth
Reading: Mark & Gary 6-8
Wk 4: Late 19th and Early 20th century: Classroom music teaching; maturation and professionalization; instrumental music, MENC history
Readings: Mark & Gary 9-13
NO CLASS ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16th (TMEA CONVENTION)
Wk 5: History of bands, choirs, orchestras, musicals
DUE – individual presentation on chosen topic of band, choir, orchestra, musicals in Am. history
Wk 6: Tunebook presentations by students
DUE – tunebook presentation
Wk 7: WRITTEN EXAM
M. 12-16 S P R I N G B R E A K
Wk 8: Philosophies of Western Education & Alternative philosophical views-toward concurrence
Readings: Reimer 1 & 2, selected readings about 'isms
DUE: 'Isms presentation
Wk 9: Music as multidimensional experience – dimensions of feeling, creating, and meaning
Readings: Reimer 3-5
DUE – 2nd position paper
DUE – Outline of philosophy paper
Wk 10: Contextual meaning; music as an intelligence
Readings: Reimer 6-7
DUE – 3rd position paper
DUE – Application scenario description
Wk 11: Philosophy in action: General and specialized music programs
Readings: Reimer 8-9
DUE – 4th position paper
DUE – Complete rough draft
Wk 12: Praxialism: The “new” philosophy of music education, "musicing", musical works
Readings: Elliott 1-9 (selected – on WebCT)
DUE – 5th position paper
Wk 13: Praxialism in music teaching and learning contexts
Readings: Elliott 10-12
DUE – 6th position paper
IN CLASS: Writing Workshop (bring 5 copies of your philosophy paper double spaced)
Wk 14: Critiques of Praxialism and aesthetic education
Readings: Selected (on WebCT)
Oral Exam
DUE – Philosophy paper
* - Dr. Keast has an Athletic Band gig
Grading Scale:
A = 90% and above (performance of outstanding quality)
B = 80-89% (superior, but less than outstanding)
C = 75-79% (adequate performance)
D = 70-74% (performance that marginally meets minimum standards)
F = below 70% (level of performance that is unacceptable)
*No incomplete's will be given
Grading: I know of no excellent teachers who simply do the bare minimum to get by in their jobs. Teachers “just getting by” are unhappy, unmotivated, and ultimately have a negative effect on students. Any profession should provide fulfillment and satisfaction to the person involved in that profession. If teaching is the right profession for you, you will find motivation and excitement easy to come by in the process of carrying out your daily job. One of my goals is to make this course as much like a teaching job as is possible in this setting. If you begin to have trouble getting motivated to do your very best for this class, please come talk to me and I will be glad to help determine the source of the problem. Ultimately, I want to send the profession only those teachers who are excited about teaching and are happy doing it.
Professionalism: Attendance, punctuality, active participation, intellectual inquiry, respect and cooperation are expected of all students, both on campus and at field sites. Illness or emergency should be reported to Dr. Keast (keast_d@utpb.edu or 552-4292.) Student professionalism will be monitored across the semester.
Dr. Keast's Philosophy of College Teaching and Learning:
I believe students who regularly attend class, participate in classroom discussions and activities, complete assigned readings, and thoughtfully finish assignments should arrive at a mastery of the course material. The purpose of learning in college is to master course skills. When a student does not achieve the objectives of a course, then the student has not learned the material and should initiate corrections to exams or quizzes in order to learn from their mistakes. Exams and quizzes are not the end of learning, but rather a measure of student learning. The students' mastery of the material is my teaching goal. I hope that learning the material is every student's learning goal.
Class Attendance: You are allowed two sick days during the semester. For each sick day taken in excess of three, your pay (grade) will be lowered by one grade increment (i.e.: A to A-). Documentation may be required for absences. Any sick day left at the end of the semester may be turned in and applied for 5% added to any assignment grade. Class will begin and end on time. As are all good students, you should plan to arrive to class early.
Civility Statement: Because this class needs to be a participatory community, if students are to fulfill their potential for learning, people who disrupt the community by their words or actions (rude, sarcastic, obscene, disrespectful speech, or disruptive behavior) will be removed from the class. In order to achieve our educational goals and to encourage the expression, understanding, and creation of a variety of ideas and opinions, respect must be shown to everyone.
Food and Beverage Policy: Please feel free to bring beverages to class. Any sealable container is welcome to contain soda, water, juice, etc. Unacceptable containers include soda cans, cups, and McDonalds drink cups. The suggested container is a contour Coke bottle with screw top caps. I do ask that food be kept to a minimum. I suggest chips, crackers, trail mix, and smaller snacks that are less prone to mess. This is a beautiful facility, our goal is to keep it that way.
Web Enhanced Expectations: this course is registered with WebCT. Assignments, discussion questions, and other intercommunication from the instructor will be regularly posted on the site. Students are expected to locate a computer at home or on campus that gives reliable access to WebCT and check for announcements regularly.
Students should demonstrate professionalism when using WebCT and all e-mail. The following are considered as violations of that professionalism:
-intentionally damaging or destroying electronic information or resources
-intentionally invading the privacy of or disrespecting individuals or groups
-plagiarizing or violating copyright restrictions
-harassing others
All course documents, such as assignments, supplementary readings, syllabus, course calendar, due dates, student grades, and external links needed may be found within WebCT. The address for WebCT is: http://www.utpb.edu/reach/index.htm . Some of the supplementary readings are found within WebCT.
Class Netiquette: Dr. Keast and your fellow students wish to foster a safe on-line learning environment. All opinions and experiences, no matter how different or controversial they may be perceived, must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse. You are encouraged to comment, question, or critique an idea but you are not to attack an individual.
Our differences, some of which are outlined in the University's nondiscrimination statement, will add richness to this learning experience. Please consider that sarcasm and humor can be misconstrued in online interactions and generate unintended disruptions. Working as a community of learners, we can build a polite and respectful course ambience.
Academic dishonesty is fundamental to the activities and principles of a university. The academic community regards academic dishonesty as an extremely serious matter, with serious consequences. Any effort to gain an advantage not given to all students is dishonest whether or not the effort is successful. Any suspicion of academic dishonesty will be reported and investigated. A student who engages in scholastic dishonesty that includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, and collusion will receive an "F" for the course. All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. For complete information on UTPB student conduct and discipline procedures consult the university's handbook at: http://www.utpb.edu/utpb_student/students/studentguide/sg3_index_frame.htm#StudentWelfareandDiscipline. When in doubt about plagiarism, paraphrasing, quoting, collaboration, or Internet applications, consult Dr. Keast. Assignments generated by downloading or printing from the Internet are considered under the auspices of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this course.
Americans with Disabilities Act: Students with disabilities that are admitted to The University of Texas of the Permian Basin may request reasonable accommodations and classroom modifications as addressed under Section 504/ADA regulations. Students needing assistance because of a disability must contact Dr. Efren D. Castro, Director, Programs Assisting Student Study (PASS) Office, 552-2630, no later than 30 days prior to the start of the semester.
The definition of a disability for purposes of ADA is that she or he (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantively limits a major life activity, (2) has a record of such an impairment or, (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.
Students who have provided all documentation and are eligible for services will be advised of their rights regarding academic accommodations and responsibilities. The University is not obligated to pay for diagnosis or evaluations nor is it obligated to pay for personal services or auxiliary aids.
If you need accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with the instructor, or if you need special arrangements in the case the building must be evacuated, please inform Dr. Keast immediately. It is best to contact Dr. Keast after class or during his office hours.
Let this syllabus serve as an outline to the objectives and materials that we will cover. This syllabus is subject to revision at the discretion of Dr. Keast.
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