Kansas State University / College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Music

 

MUSIC 807 : History and Philosophy of Music Education

 

Instructors / Information

 

Dr. Frederick Burrack

            McCain 228; Office hours : as posted or by appointment

            email: fburrack@ksu.edu

            Phone: 532-5764

 

Course Description:

MUSIC 807 is the study of history and philosophy of music education in the United States. This course is designed to acquaint the student with the past and present trends in music teaching in the schools. By studying what went before and exploring important thoughts of philosophers, the student will be able to gain an understanding of what we teacher and why we teach.

 

Course Objectives

1.    To help you to identify the philosophical-sociological-technological roots of contemporary views as to the role and purpose of music education.

2.    To help you think more deeply about philosophical issues central to the field of music education.

3.    To help you express your thoughts more clearly – thereby advancing your clarity of thought.

4.    To begin the process of (consciously) formulating a set of principles as the basis for oneÕs personal philosophical position as it influences educational decisions.

5.    To help you better understand the present status and the potentials of your profession.

6.    To improve your effectiveness through the application of all the above learnings to your professional obligations and your capacities for leadership.

 

Required Materials

á   Mark. M. L. & Gary, C.L. (1999). A History of American Music Education, 2nd Edition. Reston, VA:MENC

á   Reimer, B. (2003). A Philosophy of Music Education:Advancing the Vision. 3rd Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

á   Articles as assigned

 

 

Note: If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. My office location and hours are listed on the first page of this syllabus.

 

 

Expectations:

 

Attendance: Prompt attendance is expected as a demonstration of professional commitment and is a required component of the course. Two points will be deducted from your final grade point for each absence. One point will be deducted for each time you are tardy, but do come to class.

 

Class Participation: Because active and articulate oral interchange increases verbal skills and promotes a stimulating classroom atmosphere, you will be evaluated on the quality, quantity, and appropriateness of each studentÕs oral contributions to the class. Dynamics of this class, and its ultimate value to you, require you to come to class prepared (read assignments), bringing questions and comments to stimulate discussions. Assignments must be completed in a timely manner. 

 

Academic Honesty: Academic dishonesty policies govern the formal procedures for handling cheating, plagiarism, destroying someone elseÕs work, or abetting any of these acts (see ÒCode of Student Rights and Responsibilities: Student Academic Ethics PolicyÓ. Plagiarism or violations of copyright policies are a form of academic dishonesty and are treated as an ethics violation. You are expected to research and learn from existing material but also to give credit to itÕs source.

 

 

Assignments:

 

Research Paper:                                                                              

The paper should address a person, movement, issue or set of materials from the history of American Music Education. Investigate the topic in depth, consulting the text as well as many outside resources. Try to locate primary sources to help gain a sense of the attitude of the times and add authenticity to your research. Topics from which to select: (other topics of interest are also available)

 

 

Presentation:

Based on your research paper, prepare an oral, multi-media presentation for the class. Include brief handouts and bibliographies for your classmates.

  1. Describe the topic, with a brief description and definition.
  2. Identify and survey the underlying historical principles.
  3. Classify and discuss research – type of source (primary or secondary)
  4. Explain how this topic relates to modern music learning situations and its implications for todayÕs teachers.
  5. include anything else relevant that you consider important.

 

 

 

 

Philosophic Position Paper: 4-6 double spaces, typed pages of content with an additional beginning title page and ending reference page.

This paper should address the issues regarding your own Music Education Philosophy. As a professional music educator, your philosophy of education, and thereby philosophy of music education, is an active agent whenever you make decisions that affect the ÒWhyÓ and ÒWhatÓ of curricular practice. The purpose of this paper is for you to verbalize your current philosophy in response to the question (why schooling and why music is a part of schooling). To answer this, consider three aspects of this question (see below). Try to locate primary sources to help gain a true sense of the thinking at the time.

First, examine what you see as the ÒwhyÓ of formal education, or ÒschoolingÓ (total curriculum, not just music). What do you believe are the underlying assumptions as to the ultimate value and purpose of education which guide decision makers as they make curricular plans, call for reform, see innovation and change?

Second, examine there same questions as they apply specifically to music education. What do you consider the underlying assumptions as to the value and purpose of music education?

Third, Explain how your responses to the second issue grow out of your responses to the first. Support your discussion with reference to readings (either from this course or others that you have found relevant in your personal and professional development).

(Warning: donÕt get caught up in the what and how! Focus on the most basic questions, Why should music be included in the curriculum of todayÕs students?)

 

Process Journal:

This journal should be a chronicle of your experiences, questions, puzzles, and understandings over this period of time. The quality of your writing, the depth of your questioning, and the significant reflections you discuss will be one of the ways in which I can sense your growth. Included in your journals should be reflections on each of the assigned readings. You should make notes on the readings, citing appropriate page numbers. These notes should be used to initiate class discussion. Each bi-weekly submission will be deposited in the K-State Online drop-box.

 

Reading Assignment Quizzes:

Short quizzes will be given periodically to check on reading content.

 

Grading Scale

 

Research Paper                        30 points

Class Presentation                   20 points

Philosophic Position Paper     30 points

Quizzes                                   30 points

Process Journal                       20 points

Mid-term exam                        40 points

Participation                            30 points

 

Total Possible                          200 points

 

A   = 180-200 points (90-100%); B   = 160-179 points (80-89%); C   = 140-159 points (70-79%); D   = 120-139 points (60-69%); F    =     0-119 points (0 -59%)

 


Schedule of classes and topics

Schedule may be revised when needed

 

Date of the class                  Topic                          Assignment for the next meeting

 

Class #1

Jan 21

How did it all start?

 

Mark: Prefaces and Part I

Class #2

Jan 28

Our beginnings

 

Mark: Part II

Class #3

Feb 4

Early American Education

 

Mark: Part III

Class #4

Feb 11

The Growth of Music Education

 

Mark: 185-251

Class #5

Feb 18

Curricular Music

 

Mark: 252-335

Class #6

Feb 25

WeÕre developing

 

Mark: 289-323

Class #7

Mar 3

Music Education into the 21st century

 

 

Mark: 383-413

Class #8

Mar 10

Class Presentations

 

Mark: 415-461

Class #10

Mar24

Class Presentations

Research Paper Due

 

Class #11

Mar 31

David Whitman Recital

Online Mid-Term Exam Due

 

Class #12

Apr 7

Why do we teach music?

Journal #1 due

 

Riemer: 1-36

Class #13

Apr 10

Musical Experience

Journal #2 due

Riemer: 72-101

Class #14

Apr 14

Musical Experience

Journal #3 due

Riemer: 133-165

Class #15

Apr 21

WhatÕs Next?

Journal #4 due

Riemer: 199-239

Class #16

Apr 28

How should I teach music?

Philosophic Paper Due

Riemer: 240-299