Faculty Syllabus

MUSI-1310 American Music

Hanna Salmon


Credit Spring 2026

Section(s)

MUSI-1310-015 (18010)
LEC MW 10:30am - 11:50am RRC RRC8 8302.00

Course Requirements

Required Textbooks & Other Useful Materials

1. Crawford, Richard, and Larry Hamberlin. An Introduction to America’s Music. 3rd Ed. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2018.

  • The ebook and playlist are enabled by First Day Inclusive Access. You can access these materials in the “Course Materials” link in Blackboard.
  • Please see “First Day – Blackboard Training Video” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbblnCvGvVA

2. Internet access for coursework and regular communication.

3. A pen/pencil and notebook for notetaking and in-class activities

Readings

Crawford, Richard, and Larry Hamberlin. An Introduction to America’s Music. 3rd Ed. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2018.

  • The ebook and playlist are enabled by First Day Inclusive Access. You can access these materials in the “Course Materials” link in Blackboard.

Course Subjects

American Music is a foundational course for enjoyment and understanding of American Music through exploring recorded music and song literature. Students will study the elements of music, analyze musical form and design, and relate it to other subjects and activities. This is a basic course designed to enhance your enjoyment and understanding of music through a narrative history of all aspects of music in the history of America. Historical and cultural perspective, as well as a building of analytical and listening skills, will be stressed.

A general survey of various styles of music in America. Topics may include jazz, ragtime, folk, rock, and contemporary art music. Skills: E Course Type: T The primary objective of this course is to develop a fundamental working knowledge of the different styles of music throughout the history of America.

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

By the end of this semester, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate knowledge of elements of American music
  • develop a vocabulary for discussing music
  • differentiate the different periods and styles in the history of American music as well as characteristics of those periods
  •  understand basic musical forms, structures, and their influences as relating to American Music.

The General Education Competencies utilized in this course are as follows:

  • Communication Skills. Students will develop, interpret, and express ideas through written, oral, visual, and sung communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience, and medium. They will do this through in-class exercises and performances, and reading and written assignments.
  • Critical Thinking. Students will gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information for the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking and performance. They will do this through in-class exercises, performances, and reading and written assignments.
  • Personal Responsibility. Students will identify and apply ethical principles and practices to decision-making by connecting choices, actions and consequences. They will do this through in-class exercises, performances, and reading and written assignments.
  • Teamwork. Students will consider different points of view to work collaboratively and effectively in pursuit of a shared purposed or goal. They will do this through in-class exercises, performances, and reading and written assignments.

Office Hours

Office Hours

Published: 01/12/2026 16:52:13