Core Curriculum Requirements
Please visit www.providence.edu/academic-affairs/core-curriculum/Pages/approved-core-curriculum-courses.aspx for a listing of courses that have been approved for specific Core Curriculum requirements (Class of 2016 and beyond). The list is updated on a regular basis. In addition, students in the Class of 2013, 2014, and 2015 can search the Course Catalog or Semester Course Offerings in CyberFriar to locate courses with a specific Core Curriculum attribute. Need assistance? Please contact Alyssa Marton at aneubeck@providence.edu or 401.865.1765.
Music
MSC 162 - Bassoon I
1 semester, 1/2 Credit
This is a private lesson open to all interested students; instructors teach once a week on a one-to-one basis. This lesson does not count as a fifth course. There is an additional fee for this lesson. Students must register in the music department.
This is a private lesson open to all interested students; instructors teach once a week on a one-to-one basis. This lesson does not count as a fifth course. There is an additional fee for this lesson. Students must register in the music department.
This is a private lesson open to all interested students; instructors teach once a week on a one-to-one basis. This lesson does not count as a fifth course. There is an additional fee for this lesson. Students must register in the music department.
This is a private lesson open to all interested students; instructors teach once a week on a one-to-one basis. This lesson does not count as a fifth course. There is an additional fee for this lesson. Students must register in the music department.
This is a private lesson open to all interested students; instructors teach once a week on a one-to-one basis. This lesson does not count as a fifth course. There is an additional fee for this lesson. Students must register in the music department.
This is a private lesson open to all interested students; instructors teach once a week on a one-to-one basis. This lesson does not count as a fifth course. There is an additional fee for this lesson. Students must register in the music department.
This is a private lesson open to all interested students; instructors teach once a week on a one-to-one basis. This lesson does not count as a fifth course. There is an additional fee for this lesson. Students must register in the music department.
This is a private lesson open to all interested students; instructors teach once a week on a one-to-one basis. This lesson does not count as a fifth course. There is an additional fee for this lesson. Students must register in the music department.
This is a private lesson open to all interested students; instructors teach once a week on a one-to-one basis. This lesson does not count as a fifth course. There is an additional fee for this lesson. Students must register in the music department.
This is a private lesson open to all interested students; instructors teach once a week on a one-to-one basis. This lesson does not count as a fifth course. There is an additional fee for this lesson. Students must register in the music department.
This is a private lesson open to all interested students; instructors teach once a week on a one-to-one basis. This lesson does not count as a fifth course. There is an additional fee for this lesson. Students must register in the music department.
This is a private lesson open to all interested students; instructors teach once a week on a one-to-one basis. This lesson does not count as a fifth course. There is an additional fee for this lesson. Students must register in the music department.
This is a private lesson open to all interested students; instructors teach once a week on a one-to-one basis. This lesson does not count as a fifth course. There is an additional fee for this lesson. Students must register in the music department.
This is a private lesson open to all interested students; instructors teach once a week on a one-to-one basis. This lesson does not count as a fifth course. There is an additional fee for this lesson. Students must register in the music department.
This is a private lesson open to all interested students; instructors teach once a week on a one-to-one basis. This lesson does not count as a fifth course. There is an additional fee for this lesson. Students must register in the music department.
The study of the theory of music: triads, major, minor keys, scales, clefs, modes, intervals, fundamentals of harmony, basic concepts of form, melody, and rhythm. MSC 201L is required with this course. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Previous background required (note reading and study of instrument or voice).
This is an aural skills program whereby students learn in systematic fashion to correlate sounds and musical notation. Aural awareness is built through a series of exercises that develop the ability to sing melody and rhythm at sight, and to notate them correctly. Recognition and notation of harmonic intervals and progressions are also developed.
Continuation of Theory I, this course deals in depth with the application of four-part harmonic writing, analyzing musical excerpts, and the study and application of non-harmonic tones. MSC 202L is required with this course. Prerequisite: MSC 201 or permission of instructor.
An introductory course open to all non-music majors, as well as music majors who have had no previous piano training. This class will include the elements of music, fundamental skills of sight reading, piano technique, and keyboard harmony. Pieces assigned will provide experience with a wide range of piano literature – Baroque through the 20th century.
Designed for the student to begin the development of basic vocal technique through class ensemble and solo singing. Repertoire will be chosen from a broad spectrum of styles and periods.
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of accurate and idiomatic pronunciation in the French, German, and Italian languages, with emphasis on classic lyric (sung) diction. Students learn to read and write in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and learn the process of analyzing and transcribing foreign pronunciation using the IPA.
Open to all non-music majors, this course has as its main objective the training of students in intelligent listening and seeks to acquaint them with a variety of musical works. Listening, selected readings, live performance, and discussion will form a part of the course.
MSC 214 - Music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance
1 semester, 3 Credits
A study of the historical and cultural background of Medieval and Renaissance music, both sacred and secular, with special attention given to the forms which developed during these periods.
A study of the origins and development of Baroque music and its culmination in the works of Bach and Handel, masters of the late Baroque. Emphasis will be placed on the developing instrumental genres as well as on the rise of opera and other vocal forms.
A study of the development of the music of the Classical period within the context of the late 18th century European society, with special emphasis on the lives and the works of Haydn, Mozart, early Beethoven, and on the development of the sonata, symphony, the opera, the concerto, and chamber works.
A study of the development of 19th-century literature from Beethoven through Wagner and post-Romantic. Attention will focus on symphonic forms, piano, vocal literature, opera, music, drama, and the expression of nationalism through music.
Study of modern and post-modern music, tracing its roots in post-Romanticism and Impressionism and its development throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Emphasis is given to important composers, including Stravinsky, Bartok, Schoenberg, Cage, Copland, Varèse, and Pärt, as well as major trends, such as primitivism, nationalism, neoclassicism, neo-romanticism, serialism, electronic music, aleatoric approaches, and “holy” minimalism.
Beethoven’s biographical data, letters, conversation notebooks as well as his responses to and relationships with Napoleon, Schiller, Goethe, patrons, friends, musical colleagues, and nephew are studied. Representative musical works and the societal and historical forces that affected and influenced the development of his musical style are also explored.
An examination of the relationship between music and drama. Consideration will be given to the historic aspects of this relationship as well as to specific works in the realm of opera, operetta, and the American musical.
This course will focus on the musical education of women and their involvement in music from the Middle Ages through the present time. The variety of music careers, including composing, performing, and teaching, will be emphasized. Same as WMS 224.
An examination of the sociological aspects of music, affirming the position that music is an integral part of the history of ideas and of the general culture of its time. The course will survey similarities and differences of various cultures.
A study of the history of American music from the Colonial period to the present, with special attention given to the interaction of musical styles and society. Analytical listening and comparison will form an important part of the course. Same as AMS 226.
A study of the history of jazz from African music to contemporary trends and more popular forms. Emphasis will be placed on styles and performers. Analytical listening will be required. Same as AMS 227 and BLS 227.
Historical survey covering the most important popular styles of music beginning in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to the present—blues, American rock and roll, pop, disco, and heavy metal, among other important genres. There also will be units on composers and/or performers.
This course for music education students examines the historical, general principles, and current trends of music education. Students are familiarized with the National Standards in the Arts as well as the Rhode Island Teachers Standards. Skills associated with multiculturalism, interdisciplinary formats, and technology in the classroom are addressed. Lessons are designed and presented, and classroom observations in the schools are required.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the students chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisite: Permission of department.
For freshman/sophomore music majors and music minors. This is the introductory level of private instruction offering a more concentrated, thorough, and technical approach to the student’s chosen instrument. There is an additional fee for these lessons.
Theory III is a continuation of Theory II. This course focuses on chromatic harmony: secondary function chords, mode mixing, Neapolitan chords, augmented sixth chords, and enharmonic spellings. Modulatory techniques are also studied. MSC 301L is required with this course. Prerequisite: MSC 202 or equivalent.
This course is a continuation of Theory II Lab and covers more advanced ear-training and sight-singing materials. These include more complicated rhythmic patterns, chromaticism, longer melodic phrases, and aural recognition of a variety of harmonic progressions. This lab is required with MSC 301, Theory III.
A continuation of Theory III, this course focuses on analyses of formal structures, including binary and ternary forms, sonata-allegro form, variation techniques, rondo form, and 18th-century counterpoint in the form of inventions and fugues. The course concludes with an overview of late 19th- and 20th-century compositional procedures. MSC 302L is required with this course. Prerequisite: MSC 301 or equivalent.
This course builds upon what is covered in Theory III Lab and, in both the ear-training and sight-singing components of the course, covers more complicated rhythmic patterns, longer and more chromatic melodies, and four-part harmonic dictation. This lab is required with MSC 302, Theory IV.
An introduction to the creative process of musical composition. Students are guided to create their own works and to solve various formal and stylistic problems. Orchestration, the creation of musical scores, arranging, and music technology are addressed. Prerequisite: MSC 302 or permission of instructor.
A study of pre-20th-century instrumental and vocal musical forms, including single-movement forms, contrapuntal forms, sonata-allegro form, and theme variations. It is also a study of analytical methodologies, with special emphasis on Schenkerian analysis, and includes a comparison of various approaches, such as traditional, Schenkerian, and semiotic. Prerequisite: MSC 302 or permission of the instructor.
This course covers the fundamentals of choral and instrumental conducting techniques and is designed for all students interested in conducting musical ensembles. Fundamentals include basic metrical patterns, dynamic shading, cues, entrances, cutoffs, and uses of the left hand. All students have the opportunity to conduct several times throughout the semester. Prerequisite: MSC 202.
This course is primarily designed for music majors preparing for Piano Proficiency. Students must have completed Piano Class I or higher to be eligible. Emphasis will be placed on developing sight-reading ability, strengthening the student’s piano technique, improving musical styles and interpretation, and keyboard harmony. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
An exploration of music history and literature in Western culture from antiquity through the Renaissance, this course includes class work, readings from primary and secondary sources, score reading and listening assignments, which focus on representative composers and works from each period. Students are expected to understand, analyze, and identify various specific features related to musical styles. Prerequisites: MSC 202 or permission of the instructor.
Through primary and secondary sources, this course explores the history and literature of music in Western culture from the Baroque and the Classical periods (1600-1750). Class work and listening assignments focus on representative works and composers from each period. Students will be expected to understand, analyze, and identify through listening exercises and score reading various musical features related to musical styles. Prerequisites: MSC 202 or permission of the instructor.
Through primary and secondary sources, this course explores the history and literature of music in Western culture from the Romantic and Modern periods (from 1800). Class work and listening assignments focus on representative works and composers from each period. Students will be expected to understand, analyze, and identify— through listening exercises and score reading—various features relating to musical styles. Prerequisites: MSC 202 or permission of the instructor.
Study of world music wherein students investigate factors related to world musical practices. Students learn about methodologies culminating in a presentation of their research on music practiced locally. Students also learn about the musical cultures of Australia, Oceania, North Africa, and the Middle East.
A study of the development of music from Gregorian Chant motets to contemporary music including the development of polyphonic choral music as seen in the great anthems and mass settings in the Christian tradition.
A study of literature and composers for organ, harpsichord, and piano through listening, background reading, and live performance. Historical aspects from the Baroque to the Modern period will be stressed. Proficiency in an instrument is not required. Prerequisite: Ability to read music.
MSC 324 - Vocal Repertoire from 1775 to the Present
1 semester, 3 Credits
Primarily for music majors and minors, this course is a comprehensive survey of songs from the Classical, Romantic, and Modern periods by composers from England, France, Italy, Germany, and the United States. The focus is on the fusion of poetry and music inherent in the form, pronunciation, translation, analysis of text and music, and interpretation. Prerequisite: MSC 202.
In this course, jazz performers develop basic musical and theoretical concepts and skills. Students study modal scales, tension theory, substitutions, and chromatic harmony as well as repertoires of jazz standards for analysis and performance to become functionally conversant with the jazz language. Solos of great masters also are transcribed, edited, and performed as a foundation for the study of improvisation.
MSC 330 - Teaching General Music in Elementary School
1 semester, 3 Credits
Designed to acquaint the music education student with a variety of instructional approaches, materials, and activities for the elementary general music program, based on a conceptual, developmental understanding of musical learning. Curriculum, classroom management, organization, and appropriate teaching strategies will be considered.
Introduces the music education student to various pragmatic approaches to becoming an exemplary secondary music teacher. The student studies and demonstrates rehearsal techniques, score preparation, knowledge of repertoire, methods of selecting appropriate works, and group vocal techniques. Long-range planning, budget preparations, evaluations, concert planning, and public relations also are considered.
MSC 332 - Teaching Music in Secondary School: Instrumental
1 semester, 3 Credits
This music education class covers techniques of teaching instrumental music primarily in the secondary school. Some middle school techniques will be included as well as strategies for secondary general music.
This is a course in the basic techniques of teaching and playing brass and percussion instruments. The following will be covered: fundamentals of tone production, fingering, teaching materials, pedagogy, and use of these instruments in bands, orchestras, and chamber music.
This is a course in the basic techniques of teaching and playing woodwind instruments. The following will be covered: fundamentals of tone production, fingering, teaching materials, pedagogy, and use of woodwind instruments in bands, orchestras, and chamber music.
Covers the basic techniques of teaching and playing string instruments, including: fundamentals of tone production, fingering, teaching materials, pedagogy, and use of string instruments in orchestra and chamber music.
For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.
For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.
For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.
For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.
For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.
For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.
For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.
For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.
For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.
For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.
For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.