Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Music of the World (Face-to-Face)

MUSC 1050-02

Course: MUSC 1050-02
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: MUSC
CRN: 31242

Course Description

An introduction to music-cultural traditions in selected world cultures. Introduces content, scope, and methodology of ethnomusicology, focusing on understanding the musical styles, performance practices, and cultural functions of these musical traditions. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll General Education Category: Fine Arts

Required Texts

No book is required for this class but if you would like to use a book to follow along I will be teaching out of Worlds of Music: An Introduction to the Music of the World's Peoples | 6th Edition. Jeff Todd

Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

This course is designed to enhance students' skills in several key areas outlined in the SUU Essential Learning Outcomes, specifically Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World, Intercultural Knowledge, and Information Literacy.

  • Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World: Students will explore diverse global cultures through their unique musical traditions. By studying different musical styles, instruments, and performance practices, students will gain a deeper understanding of the world's various cultures and their interconnectedness.

  • Intercultural Knowledge: The course improves these skills by introducing students to a wide range of world music cultures. Students will learn how music is used as a powerful form of human expression across different societies, fostering a greater appreciation for global diversity. By taking this class, they will be able to interact better with global society because they will have a greater understanding of it.

  • Information Literacy: Students will develop information literacy skills through video assignments. They will research their own heritage or ethnicity, identifying musical traditions and examples. The assignment requires students to find credible sources for their research and provide a works cited list, demonstrating their ability to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively.


Course Requirements

There are no course requirements for this class.

Course Outline

Grading
   
            Categories                               Weight 
            4 Exams                                    50%   
            Individual Project                       20% 
            Group Project                            20% 
            Canvas Homework                    10%

Exams

"There will be four exams given throughout the semester. Exam questions will be based on material from lectures, class discussions, and videos shown in class. Exams will consist of multiple-choice, true/false, and short-answer questions. Makeup exams will only be permitted for documented, excused absences, such as an extreme illness or a university-sponsored event. You must provide written documentation and arrange the makeup exam with the professor in advance."

Individual Project

"You will create and submit a video report about music from your own heritage. Up to four students will be selected to present their projects to the class and will be exempt from taking the midterm exam. A detailed rubric outlining the project requirements will be provided later in the semester. Late projects will not be accepted."

Group Project

"You will work in a group to create a video report detailing musical aspects from one of your group members' cultures. This video must be submitted via Canvas. One group will be selected to present their project to the class and will be exempt from taking the final exam. A detailed rubric for the project will be provided at a later date. Late projects will not be accepted."

Class Assignments

Assignments for this class will include a mix of in-class reflections and homework to be completed outside of class. All assignments must be submitted electronically through Canvas.



Class Schedule

Subject to Change


8/27 | Syllabus |

8/29 | "What Is Music" |

9/1 | No Class Labor Day |

9/3 | "What Is Music" |

9/5 | "North America/Native America" |

9/8 | "North America/Native America" |

9/10 | Video Project Discussion, Explantation, and Examples |

9/12 | "Africa" |

9/15 | "Africa" |

9/17 | "Africa" |

9/19 | "North America/Black America" |

9/22 | Test 1 (No Class) |

9/24 | "North America/Black America" |

9/26 | "North America/Black America and American Popular Music" |

9/29 | "Europe/Central and Southeastern Regions" |

10/1 | "Europe/Central and Southeastern Regions" |

10/3 | No Class HS Shakespeare Comp |

10/6 | "Eurovision Contest" |

10/8 | "India" |

10/10 | "India" | Individual Video Due

10/13 | No Class Fall Break |

10/15 | "India" |

10/17 | (No Class) Test 2 |

10/20 | "Indonesia" |

10/22 | “Indonesia" |

10/24 | Group Video Assignments Discussion, Explantation, and Examples |

10/27 | "China and Overseas Chinese" |

10/29 | "China and Overseas Chinese" |

10/31 | "China and Overseas Chinese" |

11/3 | "South America" | Group Video Abstract Due

11/5 | "South America" |

11/7 | "South America" and Drum Day |

11/10 | Test 3 (No Class) |

11/12 | "The Arab World" |

11/14 | No Class |

11/17 | No Class |

11/19 | "The Arab World" |

11/21 | "The Arab World" |

12/1 | Japan | Group Video Due

12/3 | Japan |

12/5 | New Zealand/Australia and 6 Min Video Share  |



Using Artificial Intelligence

The use of AI in this class is not strictly prohibited. However, using it to complete assignments, such as the video projects, or during tests is not acceptable. Doing so will result in an automatic zero on the assignment or test. The use of AI for proofreading or helping with formatting is allowed.


Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

No late work is accepted in this class without prior consent given by the professor. Consent for late work must be given through email. Any work turned in late because of personal hardship or learning disabilities must be coordinated with the DRC. The DRC is located in the Sharwan Smith Student Center Suite 206.

Attendance Policy

While attendance will not be taken, all students are expected to come to every class. If you miss a lecture, it is your responsibility to get notes and information from a classmate. The professor will only provide support for making up missed material in cases of a documented excused absence, in accordance with university policy.

Course Fees

There are no course fees for this class. 

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.