Music Education Course Descriptions
MUS 115 Fundamentals of Music
3 Hours
Students will learn tonal harmony in four-part writing using diatonic triads and seventh chords in all inversions. They will analyze musical excerpts related to voice leading, chord use and nonchord tones, and aural skills. Original compositions and other written projects are required. This course partially fulfills requirements leading to K–12 certification in vocal music. General Education: Effective Expression – Artistic Appreciation
MUS 116 Keyboard Skills I
1 Hours
Individual 30-minute weekly lessons for practical application at the keyboard of concepts studied in Music Theory I. Includes scales, intervals, triads, chord progressions, cadences, melodies with chordal accompaniment, sight-reading and transposition.
MUS 131 Ensemble
0 or 1 Hours
Various performing ensembles, both vocal and instrumental, will meet. Students may take this class for credit and repeat it up to four times. It may be used to partially fulfill requirements leading to K–12 certification in vocal music. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Co-requisite: Students enrolled in MUS 231B or MUS 331B, Women’s Chamber Choir, must be concurrently enrolled in MUS 232/332, Wesleyan Choir.
MUS 215 Music Theory II
3 Hours
Students will learn tonal harmony in four-part writing using chromatically altered chords, secondary dominant and leading tone chords, mode mixture, augmented sixth and Neapolitan chords, and modulation to closely related keys. Students will analyze musical excerpts related to voice leading, chromatic chord use and modulation, and aural skills. Original compositions and other written projects are required. This course partially fulfills requirements leading to K–12 certification in vocal music. Prerequisite: MUS 115.
MUS 216 Keyboard Skills II
1 Hours
Individual 30-minute weekly lessons for practical application at the keyboard of concepts studies in Music Theory II. Includes non-chord tones, seventh chords, secondary dominants, modulation, 2-3 part score reading/piano pieces, harmonization, sight-reading, and transposition.
MUS 231 Ensemble
0 or 1 Hours
Various performing ensembles, both vocal and instrumental, will meet. Students may take this class for credit and repeat it up to four times. It may be used to partially fulfill requirements leading to K–12 certification in vocal music. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Co-requisite: Students enrolled in MUS 231B or MUS 331B, Women’s Chamber Choir, must be concurrently enrolled in MUS 232/332, Wesleyan Choir.
MUS 232 Dakota Wesleyan Choir
0 or 1 Hours
Membership in the Dakota Wesleyan Choir is open by audition to all students. The choir presents two major concerts each semester, including concerts off campus at schools and churches and occasionally music for special community events. The choir performs music from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Students may take this class for credit up to four times.
MUS 233 Highlanders
0 or 1 Hours
This is a select vocal performing ensemble, open by audition only. Students may take this class for credit and repeat it up to four times. It may be used to partially fulfill requirements leading to K–12 certification in vocal music. Prerequisites: Audition and consent of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 232 or MUS 332.
MUS 234 Wesleyan Band
0 or 1 Hours
Membership in the Wesleyan Band is open to all Dakota Wesleyan students. The band presents two major concerts each semester and may present concerts off campus at schools and churches, and occasionally music for special community events. Opportunities for participation in pep band and chamber ensembles are available. The band performs a wide range of music, from orchestral transcriptions and standards of the wind band repertoire to new works by emerging composers. Students may take this class for credit up to four times.
MUS 235 Community/University Choir Union
0 or 1 Hours
This choir is a large mixed chorus designed to bring the campus and community together in a joint musical effort. Repertoire focuses on the major choral and orchestral works of every stylistic period. The choir often collaborates with the Huron Symphony, Wesleyan University/Community Band or other local instrumentalists. Membership is open to any singer high school age or older. Community members pay a participation fee each semester. DWU students may register as a community member or as a student for academic credit.
MUS 236 Wesleyan Bells
0 or 1 Hours
The handbell choir practices handbell performance techniques, and studies, rehearses and performs diverse and challenging handbell music literature. It is open to all students who can read music and wish to learn about handbells and hand chimes.
MUS 242 Elementary Music Methods & Material
2 Hours
Students will learn about general methods and materials for teaching music in the elementary school. Students will consider relevant philosophies and practices; formulate instructional objectives; establish and evaluate learning experiences and develop instructional techniques for classes, small groups and individuals. The class emphasizes basic musicianship and activities and introduces classroom instruments commonly used. Students will plan and teach sample lessons and develop a bibliography.
MUS 311 Music History I
3 Hours
Students will study the historical development of music in Western civilization from the Medieval period to the end of the Baroque. Emphasis is placed on music’s cultural implications, composers, styles and performance practices. Written assignments, including two major papers, are required. This course partially fulfills requirements leading to K–12 certification in vocal music.
MUS 312 Music History II
3 Hours
Students will study the historical development of music in Western civilization during the Pre-Classical through the Romantic eras. This course continues to place an emphasis on music’s cultural implications, composers, styles and performance practices. Written assignments, including two major papers, are required. This course partially fulfills requirements leading to K–12 certification in vocal music.
MUS 313 Music History III
3 Hours
Students will study the historical development of music in Western civilization from the late 19th century to the present with an additional focus on non-Western musical styles. This course continues to place an emphasis on music’s cultural implications, composers, styles and performance practices. Written assignments, including two major papers, are required. This course partially fulfills requirements leading to K–12 certification in vocal music.
MUS 315 Music Theory III
3 Hours
Students will study chromatically altered chords, secondary dominant and leading tone chords, and modulation to distant keys. Students will continue to develop keyboard and aural skills. Original compositions and other written projects are required. This course partially fulfills requirements leading to K-12 certification in vocal music. Prerequisite: MUS 215.
MUS 330 Vocal Literature & Pedagogy
2 Hours
This course is designed to help students gain a better understanding of the vocal mechanism, its physiology and correct use. Students will learn basic techniques of singing and methods for teaching singing.This course includes a survey of art songs and vocal literature particularly suited for secondary students. This course partially fulfills requirements leading to K-12 certification in vocal music. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
MUS 331 Ensemble
0 or 1 Hours
Various performing ensembles, both vocal and instrumental, will meet. Students may take this class for credit and repeat it up to four times. It may be used to partially fulfill requirements leading to K–12 certification in vocal music. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Co-requisite: Students enrolled in MUS 231B or MUS 331B, Women’s Chamber Choir, must be concurrently enrolled in MUS 232/332, Wesleyan Choir.
MUS 332 Dakota Wesleyan Choir
0 or 1 Hours
Membership in the Dakota Wesleyan Choir is open by audition to all students. The choir presents two major concerts each semester, including concerts off campus at schools and churches and occasionally music for special community events. The choir performs music from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Students may take this class for credit up to four times.
MUS 333 Highlanders
0 or 1 Hours
This is a select vocal performing ensemble, open by audition only. Students may take this class for credit and repeat it up to four times. It may be used to partially fulfill requirements leading to K–12 certification in vocal music. Prerequisites: Audition and consent of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 232 or MUS 332.
MUS 334 Wesleyan Band
0-1 Hours
Membership in the Wesleyan Band is open to all Dakota Wesleyan students. The band presents two major concerts each semester and may present concerts off campus at schools and churches, and occasionally music for special community events. Opportunities for participation in pep band and chamber ensembles are available. The band performs a wide range of music, from orchestral transcriptions and standards of the wind band repertoire to new works by emerging composers. Students may take this class for credit up to four times.
MUS 335 Community/University Choir
0 or 1 Hours
This choir is a large mixed chorus designed to bring the campus and community together in a joint musical effort. Repertoire focuses on the major choral and orchestral works of every stylistic period. The choir often collaborates with the Huron Symphony, Wesleyan University/Community Band or other local instrumentalists. Membership is open to any singer high school age or older. Community members pay a participation fee each semester. DWU students may register as a community member or as a student for academic credit.
MUS 336 Wesleyan Bells
0 or 1 Hour Hours
The handbell choir practices handbell performance techniques, and studies, rehearses and performs diverse and challenging handbell music literature. It is open to all students who can read music and wish to learn about handbells and hand chimes.
MUS 340 Secondary Choral Methods
2 Hours
Students will learn methods and materials for developing comprehensive musicianship through choral music. Students will consider the changing voice, choral music repertoire and rehearsal techniques, methods for recruiting and organizing choral ensembles, budgeting and program administration.
MUS 341 String Methods
1 Hours
Students will learn the basic technique of playing stringed instruments with an emphasis on a basic understanding, care, maintenance, and effective teaching of the instruments.
MUS 342 Percussion Methods
1 Hours
Students will learn the basic technique of playing both pitched and unpitched percussion instruments with an emphasis on a basic understanding, care, maintenance, and effective teaching of the instruments.
MUS 344 Woodwind Methods
1 Hours
Students will learn the basic technique of playing woodwind instruments with an emphasis on a basic understanding, care, maintenance, and effective teaching of the instruments.
MUS 345 Band/Symphonic Methods
2 Hours
Students will learn methods and materials for developing comprehensive musicianship through instrumental music. Students will consider instrumental pedagogy and philosophy, instrumental repertoire and rehearsal techniques, methods for recruiting and organizing band and orchestral ensembles, budgeting, and program administration.
MUS 350 Conducting
3 Hours
This is a comprehensive course in conducting. Students will learn score reading, score preparation and analysis, and conducting techniques. Preparation and performance of music for the public are required. This course partially fulfills requirements leading to K–12 certification in vocal music.
MUS 351 Conducting II
3 Hours
Students will continue to develop their skills as a conductor by developing independence of hands, advanced patterns, and presence as a musical leader. Emphasis will be placed on score study, comprehensive musicianship, and developing a personalized conducting style. Students will be asked to conduct university ensembles outside of regularly scheduled classroom time. Prerequisite: MUS350
MUS 415 Music Theory IV
3 Hours
This course is a continuation of the Music Theory sequence with emphasis on 16th and 18th century counterpoint and 20th century chromatic harmony.
EDU 201 Foundations of Education
3 Hours
This course is an investigation of contemporary education in America and assists candidates in determining their career path, with a special emphasis on the tools and skills necessary to become an effective teacher. Observation experience in a school setting is required. This course is required for all education majors and is taken as the first in the sequence of education courses. EDU 201 is a prerequisite for all other education courses.
EDU 220 Technology for Teachers
1 Hours
This course provides a foundation for integrating technology into the classroom. A primary goal is the development of a mindset intent on exploring, identifying, engaging and applying current, emerging and future technologies in the teaching/learning process. Students enrolled in the course will consider the appropriate relationship of technology to standards and ethical issues. They will design and present technology-enhanced lessons and become skilled, confident users of digital and electronic resources.
EDU 310 Human Relations/Multiculturalism
3 Hours
This course provides candidates with knowledge in the areas of multiculturalism and human relations. Teacher candidates will understand the impact of a changing society on education and human relations. This course provides an understanding of cultural backgrounds and the influences of dehumanizing biases such as racism, sexism and classism and how they affect the lives of students in schools. A field experience is required for this course so there will be related expenses.
EDU 311 Educational Psychology
3 Hours
This course will examine theories of learning and how they may be applied to the classroom. It will include the study of cognitive development, motivation and learning, how knowledge is constructed, constructivism, individual differences in learning, and learning environments. Prerequisites: EDU 201. Non-education majors must have consent of the instructor.
EDU 335 American Indian Education
3 Hours
This course is designed for prospective and experienced teachers. Candidates will learn about the rich American Indian culture in South Dakota and its impact on the education of American Indian students. The study includes an examination of skills necessary for the effective teaching of American Indian children. The course is designed to meet the South Dakota certification requirement in American Indian studies and is required of all teacher education candidates. Out-of-town travel and additional related expenses are required for this class. Prerequisite: EDU 201. Non-education majors must have consent of the instructor.
EDU 412 Adolescent Learners’ Needs
3 Hours
This course will help prepare candidates to teach at the middle grade level. The course will develop an understanding of the middle school concept and the instructional strategies that support that concept. Field experience at the middle level will be required. Prerequisite: EDU 201.
EDU 424 Literacy Methods in Content Area
3 Hours
This course provides teacher candidates with a balance of theory and application regarding the skills needed to teach reading and writing in the content areas. Candidates will investigate, develop and apply strategies using a variety of scientifically researched reading, writing, listening and speaking methods to meet the literacy needs of all students. For elementary education majors, this course is part of the spring block experience. Courses include EDU 424, EDU 444 and EDU 465. Prerequisite: EDU 201. Corequisites for elementary education majors: EDU 444 and EDU 465. Corequisites for secondary education majors: EDU 465 or approval of education department chair
EDU 435 Curriculum Standards & Assessment
3 Hours
This course supports an educator’s ability to design and implement assessment practices that promote student learning by first improving instruction and then gauging its success. Emphasis is placed on constructing reliable and valid assessments; connecting classroom assessment to local, state and national standards, providing effective feedback and grading and understanding individual, classroom and cultural differences that impact assessment. Students will incorporate various assessment procedures in standards-based lessons they plan and teach during the course field experience. Prerequisites: EDU 201 Corequisites for elementary education majors: EDU 442 and EDU 443.
EDU 456 Secondary and Middle Level Methods
3 Hours
This course covers the methods of teaching secondary and middle level education and considers all the aspects and responsibilities that come with the job, including the decision-making process, establishing a classroom climate conducive to learning, motivating students, classroom management, linking curriculum and instruction, planning the instruction, instructional techniques and methods for promoting learning. A constructivist approach to teaching and learning is emphasized. A field experience is required. Prerequisite: EDU 201. Corequisites: EDU 435 or approval of the chair of the education department.
EDU 465 Classroom Management for the K-12
3 Hours
This course will involve the study of strategies for creating successful K–12 learning communities, planning for the school year, developing positive relationships with the students, working with families, establishing classroom procedures and rules, maintaining appropriate behavior, preventing, managing and responding to inappropriate behaviors, motivating students to learn and responding to inappropriate behaviors. Different practices of classroom management will be explored. School law, professional practice, and teacher ethics will also be covered. This course requires a field experience. This course is part of the spring practicum experience for elementary education majors. Courses include in the spring practicum for elementary education majors are: EDU 424, EDU 444 and EDU 465. Secondary education majors are strongly advised to take this course at the same time as EDU 424. Prerequisite: EDU 201. Corequisites for elementary education majors: EDU 424 and EDU 444. Corequisites for secondary education majors: EDU 424 or approval of department chair.
EDU 470 K-12 Student Teaching
14 Hours
Candidates are assigned to a school district and supervised by a certified teacher at the elementary level (K–8) and at secondary level (7–12) for 70 days (14 full weeks). The student teaching will be divided in half at each level. During this period, they will fulfill obligations and responsibilities similar to those of the cooperating teacher. This course is part of the professional semester and is taken with a two-credit seminar, which is part of the 16 hours for degree candidates. Candidates also meet during the professional semester for seminar requirements. This course is offered Credit/No Credit only. The DWU Student Teacher Handbook and seminar syllabus serve as the course syllabus. Prerequisites: Completion of all coursework required for graduation, 2.6 GPA, admission from the education department faculty, submission of passing Praxis II examination scores for the required tests and approval for student teaching placement. Corequisite: EDU 475.
EDU 475 Seminar
2 Hours
Candidates are required to take this seminar during their student teaching experience. Candidates will research the following topics during this seminar: classroom climate, instructional pedagogy, assessment, resume writing and interviewing skills. Candidates are required to complete their electronic portfolio and an action research project during the seminar. Attendance is required in order to successfully complete the student teaching experience. Corequisite: EDU 470, EDU 472, EDU 474, or SPD 470.
PSY 237 Developmental Psychology
3 Hours
This course is a sequential study of the individual from conception to death. Students will study research regarding human physical, cognitive and social-emotional development, along with implications for parents, teachers and counselors.
SPD 206 Introduction to Exceptional Students
3 Hours
This course defines and examines the nature and needs of exceptional learners, including those with documented disabilities as well as giftedness and those with multicultural heritages. Special education foundations and legal mandates will be discussed. Appropriate accommodations and teaching methods designed to meet the needs of the range of students included in a typical classroom will be examined. The role of teachers, parents and other relevant personnel will be investigated in relation to programming for struggling learners. Students will research a specific educational challenge and complete observation hours in a school setting. Prerequisite: EDU 201 or Corequisite EDU 201 or instructor permission.
Choral Concentration Course Catalog
Instrumental Concentration Course Catalog
Choral/Instrumental Concentration Course Catalog
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