Instructor: Dr. Tom Gibson

Email: gsu3730@aol.com

PURPOSE:

To familiarize students with the Macintosh (System 9.0) and Windows98 Operating Systems; attain basic literacy in computer music terms and concepts; master basic principles of music sequencing and computer notation (rudimentary instruction in two software programs: MusicShop and Finale); and exposure to resources on the Internet.

GOALS:

1. Be able to confidently work in either a Macintosh or Windows environment.
2. Be able to demonstrate this confidence by creating word processing and spreadsheet documents; and creating new folders on both a Mac or a PC. Also be able to delete files from either Operating System.
3. Develop good typing skills as well as good facility with the mouse (double clicking, holding and dragging, copying and pasting, etc.)
4. Gain a basic understanding of how all computers and related peripherals operate and demonstrate knowledge of key terms.
5. Be able to confidently use the Internet for e-mail communication and research on the World Wide Web as well demonstrated knowledge of key concepts and terms.
6. Gain proficiency in computer music notation and specifically with Finale 2000.
7. Gain an understanding of how to apply the knowledge of the notation application to the rules of music engraving in general.
8. Be able to import Finale 2000 examples as graphics files into a word processing document.
9. Gain an understanding of the basic mechanics and key concepts associated with music sequencing.

10. Be able to create a simple and brief music sequence.

EXAMINATIONS / QUIZZES / PROJECTS:

There will be three examinations given during the semester. Exams will consist of short answer, "fill-in-the-blank" answer and/or tasks to be completed on the computer. Attendance on exam days is essential to earn a good grade. Missed examinations will be made up only if the absence was due to a medical or personal emergency, confirmed in writing by a physician or other qualified person acquainted with the nature of the emergency. Make up examinations are in an extended essay format and are generally (and purposely) much more difficult.

There will be six unannounced "pop" quizzes given during the semester. These quizzes will take place at the beginning of class and will cover class lectures and/or assigned readings from the text. No one will be admitted into class once the quiz has begun. Students may drop their lowest quiz score. Make up quizzes will not be given should a student be tardy. Because the lowest score may be dropped, make up quizzes for additional absences will be given on a case-by-case basis and only if, in the judgement of the instructor, the absence was due to unavoidable circumstances (medical or personal emergency, etc.).

There will also be three computer-related class projects during the term. These projects are the creation of a brief music sequence; a notation assignment; and a project utilizing various aspects of the Internet.

It is understood that every student comes to this course with a different background in computer fluency. For this reason, a proficiency exam or project will be offered before each major unit of study. Those students who feel their background is solid on the respective subject matter within a unit may take the proficiency exam or turn in a project. If the student scores 80% or higher, they may exempt that section of the course.
* Should a "pop" quiz occur during the time a student is exempt, the student will not be held responsible for taking the quiz. A student may still drop the lowest quiz score, however, the remaining quiz grades will cumulatively account for 10% of the final grade in the course.

 

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

This is a highly technical course and while the text provides a wealth of information and supplementary material, some topics (such as the unit on notation) rely almost exclusively on class lectures and hands-on experience. Students are therefore expected to attend class in a punctual manner. Chronic absences and especially tardiness will have a negative impact upon the final grade. Class lectures will not be repeated. It is the responsibility of the student to catch up on any work missed due to absence (regardless of the circumstance). Please note, traffic in Atlanta is very unpredictable. This is NOT a valid reason for being tardy or missing class.

INCOMPLETE / WITHDRAWAL POLICIES:

The grade of I will be given only to students who have completed the majority of the course work and only for non-academic reasons. Prior to the midpoint of the semester, a student may withdraw (or be withdrawn by the instructor) and receive the grade of W. Following this midpoint, any withdrawals will result in a grade of WF.

CLASS ETTIQUETTE:

The use of cell phones and pagers is strictly prohibited. Please turn these devices OFF before class begins. Also, please note that food and drink are NOT permitted in the CAI Lab. BACK UP ALL WORK All projects are due no later than the day specified in the calendar unless otherwise indicated by the instructor. You will be held responsible for turning in assignments on time regardless of the failure of the school's equipment or your own equipment and/or back-up media.

GRADING POLICY:

The final grade for this course will be based on the examinations, quizzes* and class projects. The final grade will be calculated upon the following percentages:

EXAMINATION 1 15% of final grade
EXAMINATION 2 15% of final grade
EXAMINATION 3 15% of final grade
"POP" QUIZZES (6) 02% of final grade
NOTATION PROJECT              15% of final grade
SEQUENCE PROJECT 15% of final grade
INTERNET PROJECT 15% of final grade