MUS 237 Music Appreciation: Rock
Welcome to the Cuesta Distance Education section of Music Appreciation: Rock.
My name is Dylan Johnson and I will be your instructor for the online version of MUS 237. I am an active professional musician in SLO county, and a Cuesta College professor for the last ten years. I have been involved in rock music extensively over my career, and look forward to sharing my excitement about this music with you!
IMPORTANT NOTE ON TEXTBOOK!
Our textbook is embedded in our course! The cost is $58.81. It will be charged directly to your student account, saving you 50% off McGraw Hill Connect access (usually $120). Please disregard the bookstore link as there will be nothing you need to purchase there for the course. If you have financial aid that pays for your books, please message me for more information.
Online Textbook: Rock Music Styles: A History: Katherine Charlton/Connect Version 8th Edition
Instructor: Dylan Johnson
Email: dylan_johnson@cuesta.edu
Office: SLO Campus, Room 7167, Performing Arts Building
Office Hours: By appointment only
Contact: Please contact me via Canvas messaging or email. I will generally respond to your emails within 24 hours except for weekends and busy times of the semester when it may be up to 48 hours.
Start Here!
On the first day of the semester, log into Canvas via https://cuesta.instructure.com/, or the links in www.cuesta.eduLinks to an external site. or www.mycuesta.edu. Links to an external site.
Links to an external site.Use your myCuesta login and password to log into Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) used to deliver course content. The syllabus and first introductory assignment will be posted on Canvas at that time. If you would like to learn about Canvas now, here is a quick start pdf Links to an external site.that explains the basics and a series of videosLinks to an external site. that can aquaint you with the Canvas LMS environment. (To enter Canvas, just click the Canvas link at the top of www.cuesta.eduLinks to an external site. or go to www.cuesta.instructure.com.)
Course Overview: MUS 237 is a survey of the history of rock and roll and it’s relatic styles. The course focuses on the 1940’s through the present
After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Students will be able to identify different styles of rock.
- Students will be able to make discriminative judgments about the music studied.
- The student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the historical progression and development of rock.
- The students will be able to identify specific performances of rock music.
- The students will be able to describe the influence of rock music on other forms of musical expression.
We are going to be using the publisher's Connect offering; an online text that has a self study system that insures you have absorbed the material in the chapters.
Is Online Instruction For You?
In an effort to assist the online student, Cuesta College’s Distance Education home pageLinks to an external site. provides a solid overview to distance education and resources to assist the online student. On that page is a tutorial for students taking online courses for the first time, and technical requirements to check that you can succeed in the course with the computer you are accessing it with. Taking the Self Assessment SurveyLinks to an external site. will help determine if an online course is right for you. Please access these materials before the course begins to prepare for success.
Online Communication: Most of our communication for the online class will be through the written word. Please use the same respect and courtesy you would when speaking to a classmate or instructor in a face-to-face class. You may notice that the written word sometimes comes acrossharsher and you may be at a loss as to how to communicate a point. A term which may be new to you is netiquitte which refers to internet etiquette please visit http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html Links to an external site.for further explanation.
Sample Syllabus
Course Requirements
For most modules, students will be required to read the textbook and answer Connect questions, view a powerpoint, watch videos, and listen to audio materials that will accessible from Spotify (see below). Additionally, students will be required to participate in the discussion forum and complete various assignments that are particular to each chapter (watching audio/visual presentations, etc.) The assignments for each module will be released on Sunday nights at midnight, and will be due the following Sunday at 11:59pm (really!) There will be short quizzes for each week, a midterm, and a final. You will be required to review two live music performances during the semester (NOTE- Because of the coronavirus situation, we will have an alternate assignment for this for this semester). One can be done via online video (but must be a full concert). We will discuss this more in the course.
Is Online Instruction For You?
In an effort to assist the online student, Cuesta College’s Distance Education home page provides a solid overview to distance education and resources to assist the online student. On that page is a tutorial for students taking online courses for the first time, and technical requirements to check that you can succeed in the course with the computer you are accessing it with. Taking the Self Assessment Survey will help determine if an online course is right for you. Please access these materials before the course begins to prepare for success.
Online Communication
Communication for class will be through the written word. Please use the same respect and courtesy you would when speaking to a classmate or instructor in a face-to-face class. You may notice that written words sometimes are interpreted in negative ways, and you may be at a loss as to how to communicate a point. A term which may be new to you is netiquette, which refers to internet etiquette. Please visit http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html for further explanation.
Using Canvas, McGraw Hill Connect, and Spotify
This online course will be using a Web-based Learning Management System, Canvas, for most aspects of the course. Canvas provides the framework for the MUS 237 class including PowerPoint presentations, student data, the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. Using the communication tools, you can communicate using e-mail and messaging, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and group.
McGraw Hill’s Connect software system will be used for the textbook and reading portion of the course. Reading assignments will be completed there, and you scores will be imported into Canvas.
The textbook has switched from requiring students to buy CDs for the audio examples to using a Spotify playlist. I am in the process of converting this playlist to YouTube, and all songs will be available to you there in addition to the Spotify links that McGraw Hill supplies.
Academic Progress
Per school policy, students are required to maintain academic progress in classes at Cuesta College. Students who consistently receive low grades on quizzes/exams/coursework can be dropped from music appreciation classes. This is mostly to protect you from failing the course You must turn in at least one assignment in the first week to be considered engaged in the course.
Quizzes and Listening Analysis
Quizzes will be given at the end of most chapters, and will be based on the powerpoint presentations, listening, and reading assignments. Listening analysis will be required for certain songs throughout the semester.
Examinations and Reading Assignments
There will be a midterm and a final exam, both of which are a requirement for passing the class. Reading the book chapters require reading the chapter and answering the practice questions that are embedded in the Connect learning system. When those are done, you will receive points for the reading assignment. If the practice questions are not done, you will NOT receive credit.
Grading
Reading and Assessment Practice Questions- 10pts (each chapter)
Quizzes-15pts
Video Reviews/Listening Analysis, other assignments-10-15pts
Midterm 50pts
Final 50pts
Concert Reviews 30pts each
Late Work
Work is due at the due date and time assigned for full credit. You may submit up to a week late for half credit. This does not apply to the Connect SmartBook questions, which can only be submitted by the original due date.
Computer Requirement: Browser requirements/minimum computer specifications http://www.cuesta.edu/student/aboutacad/distance/faqs_technical.html
➢ Internet Service Provider (ISP) offering a DSL, cable or satellite (not dial-up
modem) internet connection.
➢ A myCuesta Gmail address. All students receive this after registration. If you need assistance with your myCuesta.edu account please contact Admissions and Records on the San Luis Obispo campus.
➢ Software: Microsoft Office Professional 2011 (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint) or Google Docs/Drive You may use Google Docs for free or purchase Microsoft Office software at a discount through the California Community College Foundation
➢ Sound Card, speakers or headset.
Cuesta College Policies:
It is very difficult to track students who have abandonded online courses due to the volume of students and the lack of face to face interaction. To insure you do not recieve a failing grade, please drop the course yourself on myCuesta if you decide to discontinue.
DSPS- If you have a disability and might need accommodations (support services) in this class, please contact Disabled Student Program Services in Building 3300 as soon as possible to ensure that you receive the accommodations in a timely manner. http://academic.cuesta.edu/acasupp/dsps/
DSPS/ADA Accessibility Challenges:
I believe that a diverse classroom offers us opportunities to learn from each other’s experiences. For this reason I try to make my class accessible to all students. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, there is important material in this class that is inherently inaccessible and critical to achieving our Student Learning Outcomes. If you are experiencing accessibility difficulties, especially hearing impairment, you should contact me and we can work together utilizing resources available at DSPS for possible help.
CUESTA POLICIES
Student Academic Policy, Student Code of Conduct, and Student Computer Technology Access Agreement:
http://academic.cuesta.edu/president/2008BP/BP5000/AP%205500_Standards%20of%20Conduct.pdf
Student Support at Cuesta
During this time many students are struggling financially, emotionally, and academically with all of the changes we are going through. Cuesta has resources for you. See below.
***Food Resources for students can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/student/campuslife/studentlife/food_resources/index.html
Food Bank Distribution:
https://www.cuesta.edu/student/campuslife/studentlife/food_resources/slofoodbankdistribution.html
***Cuesta CaFe Centers**** https://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/cafe/index.html
CaFE Centers Cuesta College Short description: The CaFE Center provides comprehensive support, services, and resources to CalWORKs, foster youth, and EOPS/CARE students in order to empower, motivate and encourage them to reach their educational, career and life goals in a welcoming and safe environment.
CalWORKs at Cuesta College is a program designed to assist student cash aid recipients navigate an educational pathway to a successful career so that they can transition off cash aid. We are here to work with CalWORKs students to achieve long-term self-sufficiency for themselves and their families through career planning and educational opportunities.
What is CalWORKs?
Services include: Guidance in applying to the college, financial aid, and registration for classes, Academic and career counseling to determine educational pathways, Coordination with Social Services for educational supplies and supportive services targeted toward your educational/career goals., Assist students to ensure compliance of your Welfare-to-Work (WTW) or Self-Initiated (SIP) plan through a career oriented Educational Plan, One-on-one case management services available online or in-person to assist in problem solving school/life issues, Help with the Cuesta Scholarship application and resources to PAY for school, Advocacy supporting resources and achievement toward school completion, Subsidized employment, work study and internships centered around your career, Development of a resume and a job search portfolio to facilitate long-term employment, Referrals to additional supportive services, on or off campus as needed, Advocacy and education regarding Rights and Responsibilities issues.
What is EOPS?
Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) is a California state-funded program that provides an accessible and rewarding college experience to low-income students facing social, economic, and educational disadvantages. The program was established in 1969 by the California Legislature with the goal to provide access and educational equity for community college students.
Final Note
I am committed to acknowledging, confronting, and actively striving to eradicate all forms of racism and ethnic oppression. Thus, this course operates from the belief that racism is real, is present, and is something that Black, Indigenous, and all People of Color face daily. Part of my objective for this course, therefore, is to create a safe and brave space that enables all of my students to engage openly, safely, equally, equitably, and honorably with their education. In taking this course, you are expected to do your best to embrace these values. I also expect that we will work together to engage with all of our classmates and with the material through thoughtful respect of everyone and their individual truths.
I look forward to working with you! Please email me with any questions or message me in Canvas!
Best regards,
Dylan Johnson
dylan_johnson@cuesta.edu
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