Welcome to

Music Appreciation:

A Hybrid Approach

Course and WebCT Information

 

 

Instructor Information

 

$     Mr. Louis Shirer

$      Telephone: 803.256.1654. Ext. 132

$      Email: shirerl@midlandstech.edu

$      On Campus Mailbox: located in Robinson Building, Room 105 on the Airport Campus

$      Online Hours: to be announced

 

 

Course Description, Course Number, and Course Location

 

Course and Section Number: MUS 105-A4Y                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Credit Hours: 3

Congaree Hall Room 107                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   M W 12:20 AM – 1:15 PM

 

This course is an introduction to the study of music with focus on the elements of music and their relationships, the musical characteristics of representative works and composers, common musical forms and genres of various western and non-western historical style periods and appropriate listening

 

 

How is this hybrid section different from the regular course?

 

Students meet on campus with the instructor twice a week rather than three times a week. The on-campus sessions include a brief synopsis of style periods, discussion of important composers and an open discussion of the music appropriate for each representative style. In lieu of a third class meeting, assignments and tests will be completed and submitted online for grading. Online discussions and exchanges between students and instructors may also take place.

 

 Is this hybrid section for you?

 

A hybrid course offers freedom and flexibility. It is a good choice for students who might be interested in an online class, but still feels the need for some face-to-face time with the instructor and other class members.

If you are new to the hybrid-type course and have questions about format, please feel free to email the instructor at shirerl@midlandstech.edu.  He will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

 

Orientation Information

 

·                   Orientation information will be covered on the first day of class.

 

·                   Complete the Orientation Quiz by the due date.

 

 

 

Textbook Information

 

Students will be required to study the text and listen to the accompanying recordings (compact disks) in order to successfully complete the course.  The textbook package is available in the campus bookstores on both campuses.

 

Kamien, Roger.  Music: An Appreciation.  6^th Brief edition.  McGraw-Hill, 2008.  (Package includes the textbook, a DVD and four compact disks.)

 

ISBN 978-0-07-340134-8

 

Please note: If you order a textbook and recordings from an online vendor, such as amazon.com, be sure that you order the textbook in its 6^th  edition.  In order to be successful, please get the current edition.

 

 

 

WebCT Training

 

The Office of Online Learning at Midlands Technical College offers WebCT training for students.  To register and see a list of available training dates, go to

 

http://www.midlandstech.com/distance/WebCT Workshop FormTest.htm

 

 

Testing

 

All tests and quizzes will be administered online.

 

 

 

New to Online Instruction? 

Unsure if it is for you?

 

Online courses require a lot of work which is different from face to face classes.  Here are some characteristics of successful online students:

$                 They MUST be self-motivated and disciplined.

$                 They MUST schedule their personal time routinely.  While the course does not require regular face-to-face meetings, the course does have regular weekly deadlines which must be met.

$                 They MUST be willing to give 12-15 hours a week, often more than a traditional class.

$                 They MUST be able to read, comprehend, and following extensive instructions.

$                 They MUST be willing to raise questions immediately if anything is not understood.

$                 They MUST be able to problem solve, re-read questions, and think things through before becoming frustrated.

$                 They MUST be able to communicate well in writing.

$                 They should be open-minded, flexible, and able to adapt.

$                 They MUST have access to a computer and an internet provider.

$                 They MUST be able to effectively use Internet and Email.

$                 They MUST be well organized, take precautions to back up work, and follow through with communications.

$                 They MUST be able to complete all course requirements, including scheduled tests or other activities.

$                 They should genuinely embrace the idea that a quality learning experience can take place online.

$                 They should want to share and participate.

$                 They MUST take advantage of the multiple means of interacting with the course, professor, and college while online.

 

 

 

Student Guide to Creating Your WebCT Account

 

Go to this web page and click on “Accessing your WebCT account/Creating your WebCT Account”:  http://www.midlandstech.edu/onlinelearning

(You may use the links at the top of the page)

 

When you create your WebCT ID, first try using your last name and first initial (John Doe – doej).  It is easier to remember your ID.  Please use a password you can remember.

 

During this process you will create an account and add the specific section of this course to your account.  You MUST know your section number exactly, otherwise you will be in the wrong section and not receive credit for your work.

 

 

Important Note About Internet Access

 

It is your responsibility to have access to the Internet and your WebCT account several times during each week.  You must plan ahead for emergencies, travel, job functions, child birth, military service, family Bar-B-Qs and all other functions so that you have retail outlets.  Other than a verifiable multi-state power outage due to “mother nature” and lasting longer than four days, there is no acceptable excuse in this course for not doing your online work on time.

 

 

Hints for Dealing with problems

Accessing WebCT6 and/or the Course

 

$       Internet Explorer 7 does not like WebCT6 very well.  Use either an earlier version of Internet Explorer or download Mozilla Firefox.  (The instructor has encountered this problem and found Mozilla Firefox to work very well.

 

$       Be sure you do a browser check.  The WebCT6 depends on Java scripting and you may encounter issues if you do not check your browser and run java scripts as prompted.  (This can be a little time consuming at first.)

 

$       Be sure and turn off your pop-up blocker.

 

$       If you have difficulties logging in, call 803.822.3561 or 803.822.3423.

 

$       If you have created your WebCT ID, have added the course, but for have forgotten your password, contact your instructor or webct support.  Either one can assist you in resetting your password.

 

$       If you cannot login, please call the numbers above for support or email at http://webct@midlandstech.edu and/or your instructor through regular email.

 

$       CONTACTING THE INSTRUCTOR AND LOGGING ON TO THE COURSE ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

 

Please Note:      Adding a course to your WebCT homepage does not necessarily mean you will be able to access your courses.  You may be denied access due to prerequisite requirements, nonpayment of fees, orientation requirements, or access codes.  It is your responsibility to be absolutely sure you add the correct section.  It is still your responsibility to check the distance learning website for information about course orientations.  Please add your name and pass to the correct section and please add it only once.

 

Please do not confuse this process of adding a course to your WebCT account with registering or adding courses to your college schedule.  This change only applies to creating a WebCT account or adding courses to a WebCT account.  You must still register and add courses to your college schedule as before.

 

 

Online Resources

 

We encourage you to review the Distance Learning Frequently Asked Questions.  This module will provide you with some answers to common problems, some troubleshooting tips, and some ways to access some help.