CLAS 230
Mythology and Music
Spring 2006
Dr. James E. Betts, instructor

COURSE GOALS AND CONCEPT    TEXTS    GRADING    COURSE SCHEDULE

COURSE ACTIVITIES:

There will be required readings in either or both texts for each class session. The discussion of the music selected for listening will be based on these readings and on information about the music itself. There may be quizzes over the assigned reading at any class session.

Each student will keep a journal of the class discussions and personal reactions to discussion and listening, to be updated weekly. I will expect an electronic copy of each new entry to the journal by class time of the first class of the following week.

Each student will prepare a 600-word report on one of the composers covered in class. This report will include basic biographical information, observations on the historical and musical style period of the composer’s activity, and considerations of how and why the composer may have looked to classical mythology for inspiration. The report is due May 4.

There are two lectures scheduled this semester that are germane to this course. The first, on March 15 at 7:30, is the annual Fox Classics Lecture, presenting a different view of myth. The second, on April 23 at 4:00, is a presentation on "Mozart and Rome." Attendance at both is required, and a 300-word report on each lecture is expected. More details will be found in the course schedule.

Finally, there will be a midterm examination on Thursday, March 2, and a final on May 8 at 6:00 pm. Both midterm and final will include questions on the mythological subjects covered and the composers presented in class. There may be “drop-the-laser” listening questions as part of these exams.

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