Dr. Rob Bridge
G-202I
498-2208
OFFICE HOURS: Posted on my door
and on the
web
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
A study of
African music and its influence on other cultures, including Middle East, South
American, Caribbean, and North American/European music.
·
Understand
pertinent historical and cultural contexts;
·
Analyze
the relationships (and tensions) between oral and written culture;
·
Investigate
the uses of improvisation in both music and literary texts;
·
Discuss
polyrhythms, polyphony, multiple voices, community, and the ongoing
conversation with the ancestors;
·
Interrogate
the participation of non-blacks in the black aesthetic;
·
Explore
issues related to plagiarism and sampling: authorship, ownership, copyright,
and fair use;
TEXTS:
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
Papers: All assignments are expected on the
date they’re due. However, under extenuating circumstances, you may turn in
work one class session after the due date with no penalty.
Listening: Listening assignments
can be completed on Angel or with the CD you purchase for class. Please allow yourself time each week to
prepare the necessary listening assignments.
Grading Procedure: Grades are divided
into homework, quizzes and tests.
Homework & Quizzes 25%
Exams/Papers 75%
Grades for papers – the first papers will be
graded on content, organization and development of ideas ONLY; the remaining
papers will receive grades based on: content, organization, development of
ideas, grammar, mechanics, and format.
Though assignments will differ, the papers are meant to be cumulative in
that you will keep building on the same ideas with the knowledge of each new
course unit. (See
the MUS 166 Paper Grading Rubric)
Attendance: Perfect attendance
will add 5 points to your final grade. Attendance is taken at the beginning
of each class. If you are tardy, you must see me at the end of class to
be marked in attendance. 3 late arrivals will be counted as one absence.
Office Hours: will be posted on my
door, on
the web, and can also be arranged by appointment. Please feel free to
contact me about any class related issues. I am also very good about
checking e-mail (see address above.)
NOTE: The Writing Skills Center in Room
A-349 is open every day (M-F) from 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Most students think
of the Center as a place to go only when they are having some problem with
their writing, but in fact, professional tutors can help you at any step in the
writing process—from the brainstorming stage (before you ever set pen to paper)
to the editing stage of the very final, final draft. If at any point in the
semester, I refer you to the WSC to work with a tutor, it simply means your
writing could benefit from some extra sessions. The very best writers rely on
others for feedback, so none of you is exempt. If I refer you to the WSC and
you fail to go, I'll urge you--strongly--to drop the course.
CLASS CANCELLATIONS: Call 498-2300 to check if class has been cancelled.
RECOMMENDATIONS: If you need a letter of recommendation at some point in
the future, please set up an appointment to come discuss the letter with either
or both of us so that the letter can be tailored to your specific needs and
purposes. Also be sure to allow plenty
of lead time, and try to avoid “crunch” periods--e.g., at mid-semester and
during the last 2 weeks of class.
Anyone
with special learning needs, please be sure to let me know immediately and
bring me copies of your paperwork from the OSSN.