Each of you is different. That means many things but in the context of learning, it means that having variety in our assignments is important to ensure everyone is supported and challenged. That is at the core of the design of this course.
In each module you will find,
- Learning objectives, which define the new knowledge and skills you will acquire
- Content, which will be comprised of readings, videos, and music to listen to
- Assignments, which will be comprised of Discussion Board Prompts (DBPs), Listen & Respond Journals with prompts, as well as group assignments that we will complete both in class and outside of class home.
How do you know which items are “content” and which are “assignments?” Easy! All assignments have a due date in the item heading!
Module Content
In addition to short assigned readings from your textbook (remember, it’s free!), you will also have some videos to watch and music to listen to. Sometimes it will be performance videos, but sometimes it will be interviews or short documentaries. It’s really important to watch these each week so that we can make the most out of our weekly class time!
Blackboard Discussions
We’ll be using Bb Discussions for asynchronous (delayed) conversations in which you will speak and/or write.
For our discussion activities, you will participate using written text, voice or video – you choose! You’ll also be asked to respond to at least two of your classmates each week.
Study Guides and Quizzes
We will have 2 quizzes in the semester, each worth 50 points. Both of the quizzes will be completed on Blackboard, and will be open book/ open note.
Group Mini Projects & Final project
Group mini projects will happen in class every week! I know I know I know, not everyone loves group work. In fact, most of you will probably say it’s your least favorite thing. I can’t completely guarantee that it will be your most favorite thing at the end of the semester, but I can assure you that it will no longer be at the bottom of your list!
Each week you’ll work together with 2 or 3 of your colleagues toward one of the following (these are examples and may change). Ultimately, these smaller projects will lead you to the Final Group Project which will be presented at the end of the semester. (Wait, does this mean there is no final exam for this class? Yes! Yes it does mean exactly that! There is no final exam for this class!)
Here are a few examples of the mini projects you will complete. Every project will include a clear grading rubric so you will understand exactly what I expect of you.
- Create a open-ended question for class discussion
- Collect and present music from a specific culture
- Create a mini presentation about cultural appropriation, focusing on music
This entry is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International license.
