MUSE 110: History of Music I

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
District General Education: C1. Arts
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

This is an in-depth course examining the history of music as well as the lives and contributions of major composers from Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Baroque periods. Recommended for music majors. Music majors must take either MUSE 110 or MUSE 111. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • identify the period in which a specific composition was written through listening
  • identify works by title and composer from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque periods
  • understand the primary functions of music from Antiquity through the Baroque period
  • Recognize the common musical forms from each time period
  • Name the major composers from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque periods
  • Attend and critique a live, "formal" concert

Major Course Content

  1. Brief Synopsis of World History
    1. Earliest musical instruments
    2. Earliest written music
  2. Ancient Music
    1. Greeks
    2. Romans
    3. Early church music
  3. Middle Ages
    1. History and culture
    2. Chant
    3. Organum
    4. Polyphony
    5. Secular music
    6. Composers 
  4. Renaissance
    1. History and Culture
    2. Reformation
    3. Music style and practice
    4. Music forms
    5. Composers
  5. Baroque
    1. History and Culture
    2. Music style and practice
    3. Music forms - vocal
    4. Music forms - instrumental
    5. Composers

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

The course text.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Write a three to five page essay analyzing a live concert and researching the composers of the music that was performed as well as the period when it was written.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Attend a live concert of music from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or 20th Century.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture

IGETC Area 3: Arts and Humanities

3A. Fine Arts