Music 1A: Dan Mitchell: Intro to Music

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Music Between Classes
Between classes today I played music by Steve Reich: "Three Pieces: Movement 1: quarter note = 176"

(Note: From time to time when I play music between classes I will list information about the music here in case you are interested.)
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Monday, February 8, 2010

Test 1 Grades Have Been Posted
You may view your test 1 grades and scores by logging in to the web site and then clicking the Online Grades link near the top of the right sidebar.
[ Discuss]

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Reminder about Policies on Submitting Work, etc.
Don't forget that I'm a "stickler" (to use a nice word...) for sticking to assignment requirements as listed in the green sheet and on the assignments and announced in class. These include things such as requirement to staple pages together, requirement to turn in no later than actual deadline, and so forth.

If you don't follow the guidelines I may not accept your assignment - you will get no credit. To soften this policy a bit, keep in mind that I don't count your lowest quiz, online discussion topic, and homework assignment - e.g. you can miss one of each without penalty or do poorly on one and it won't count.
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Updates February 4, 2010

Due to an error on the second quiz (that I explained in class) everyone who completed the retake portion of the quiz got full credit for the retake quiz.
Grade updates:

I'm running behind on posting grades at this point, but I plan to be caught up by the start of next week.
I posted grades/scores for the second quiz and it attached retake quiz.

If you have missed more classes than allowed by my green sheet policy and we have not spoken about this you should contact me right away to explain and discuss - I am going to drop students with poor attended during the next few days. (Note that persistent late arrival can cause you to be dropped.)
I added some additional events for this Saturday for those who were delayed in concert attendance due to emergencies, etc. This is your last realistic opportunity to attend an event for the Concert Review that is due at the start of the period next Monday.

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Next Discussion Topic Posted
The next online discussion topic assignment is now available: Week 5 Topic - Winter 2010.
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Monday, February 1, 2010

Monday Morning News, Announcements, and Reminders

By now everyone should have attended their concert for the Concert Review assignment. If not, you must find an event right away so that you'll have time to attend and then write the paper. I strongly recommend that you NOT wait until Saturday or Sunday.
The concert review is due at the start of class next Monday.
Last week's quiz scores and grades have not been posted yet. I am sorry for the delay, but there was a problem due to synchronization between my computer and the classroom computer that affected the retake portion of the quiz. It looks like the only equitable solution will be to give full credit to all who completed the re-take portion of the quiz. More news upcoming...
Test #3 is this week on Wednesday. As per the class calendar it focuses on the units on Elements, Non-Western Music, and the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The test is partially on a Scantron, so be sure to bring a Scantron form and a pencil.
The deadline for this week's written listening assignment has been delayed until Thursday.
We are entering what is perhaps the most complex and busy part of the term. In addition to the usual weekly work we have a test and then a concert review. While you prepare for the test on the subjects listed above, we'll move forward to Baroque music later this week. Pay careful attention to the calendar and stay ahead of your deadlines.

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Thursday, January 28, 2010

As Mentioned in Class... One Day Delay on Test 1
When we spoke in class earlier this week about the upcoming test #1, I mentioned that I might choose to delay the test by one day - given the missed day due to a Monday holiday earlier in the quarter. After considering various factors I have decided that I will delay the test until:

Wednesday, February 3

Because of this change I will also delay the deadline for next week's listening assignment until:

Thursday, February 4.

I have not made nor do I anticipate making any other changes to the schedule for next week
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Next Online Discussion Topic Posted (1/27/10)
The next online discussion topic has been posted: Week 4 Topic - Winter 2010. [ Discuss]

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Attendance Policy Reminder
From the course green sheet:

Students may be dropped after their second unexcused absence. Each tardy (unexcused late arrival for class) counts as one third of an absence. You are late if you are not in the classroom at the scheduled class time. You must speak to the instructor at the end of class if you are late and make sure that your attendance was noted. Students who arrive late for class six times without a valid reason may be dropped. You must contact the instructor immediately if you have to miss class for a valid reason - your absence is considered unexcused until you do this.

In answer to the obvious question, yes, I do enforce this policy.
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Monday, January 25, 2010

Week 4 Discussion Topic Posted
The next online discussion topic has been posted: Week 4 Topic - Winter 2010.
[ Discuss]

Friday, January 22, 2010

Week 3 Discussion Topic Assignment Posted - Deadline Extended
Thanks to a student who emailed me today, I just realized that I neglected to post this week's discussion topic on the usual days. I have now posted it: Week 3 Topic - Winter 2010.

Because of the delay in posting I have extended the deadline for posting your response by 24 hours, and you must post before the start of your class on Tuesday, January 26.
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Thursday, January 21, 2010

Week 3 Grades Update
I have just updated the online grades to include quiz 1 grades, quiz 2 scores, and grades for the first discussion assignment. See the Online Grades link in the sidebar on the right side of this page.
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