Courses
Smith College reserves the right to make changes to all announcements and course listings online, including changes in its course offerings, instructors, requirements for the majors and minors, and degree requirements.
Spring 2013
MUS 100 Colloq: Fundamentals of Music
An introduction to music notation and to principles of music organization, including scales, keys, rhythm and meter. 4 credits.
MUS 103 Sight-Singing
Instruction and practice in singing intervals, rhythms and melodies; in interpreting time and key signatures; and in acquiring other aural skills essential to basic musicianship. 1 credit.
MUS 106 American Sounds
A survey of historical developments in American music, focusing on the 20th century, with particular attention to blues and country music, and including other styles such as: folk, jazz, klezmer and classical music; discussing musical aspects of these styles, and connecting them to larger historical themes and social issues concerning race, class, gender and the making of "American" identity through music. Formal knowledge of music is not required. 4 credits.
MUS 201 Music from the Preclassic to the Postmodern
An historical survey of the principal styles and monuments of Western music from the time of Haydn and Mozart to the time of Stravinsky and beyond. Open to all students (including first years) who have had previous musical experience or who have obtained permission of the instructor. 4 credits.
MUS 202 Thinking About Music
An exploration of different approaches to the study of music as a cultural phenomenon. How does music become meaningful to people in various social settings and locations and what functions does it fulfill in different societies? 4 credits.
MUS 210 Analysis and Repertory
A continuation of 110. Prerequisite: 110 or permission of the instructor. 4 credits.
MUS 242 German and French Diction for Singing: French Song
Prerequisite: voice or permission of the instructor. 1 credit.
MUS 251 The History of the Opera
History of the form from its inception to the present, with emphasis on selected masterworks. 4 credits.
MUS 312 Analysis and Repertory: 20th Century
Study of major developments in 20th-century music. Writing and analytic work including nontonal harmonic practice, serial composition and other musical techniques. Prerequisite: a second-semester course in music analysis or permission of the instructor. Juniors and seniors only. 4 credits.
MUS 325 Writing About Music
Via regular writing assignments and group discussions of substance and style, students will consider various kinds of writing that concern the broad history of western music. Instructor permission required. Juniors and seniors only. 4 credits.
MUS 341 Seminar in Composition
Additional meetings TBA. Prerequisite: a course in composition and permission of the instructor. Juniors and seniors only. May be repeated for credit. 4 credits.
PERFORMANCE COURSES
For information about performance courses, click here.
