MUSC 203 - Music and Culture
2023 Spring Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 6101
Course Information
You are responsible for knowing this material, so please read carefully. Any changes will be announced in a Blackboard Announcement. You will be responsible for any changes. Your continued enrollment in this course is your implicit agreement to abide by the requirements of this class.
Times and Location
Instructor Information
Justin Montigne, DMA
Email: justin.montigne@und.edu
Office: Hughes Fine Arts Center, Room 212
2023 Spring Office Hours:
TBA for Sp 23
Office Phone: (701) 777-2837
Please call me Dr. M
About the Professor
Justin Montigne, DMA
Dr. M is an Assistant Professor of Music and teaches Voice, Diction, and other music courses, as well as acting as Music Director for UND Theatre Arts' annual Musical Theatre Production.
Visit Dr. M's UND faculty profile to read a full bio and learn more about his teaching and creative activity.
Message Dr. M at 415.409.9496 in Signal
Learn more about the Voice Area at UND
Course Description
Learning Outcomes
This course explores how human culture is expressed through music; meeting the Essential Studies course goals of acquiring Intercultural Knowledge and Skills (IKS).
During this course, you will:
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learn about and engage with different cultures through music
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explore musical concepts with in-class experiences
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appreciate and understand music as an expression of culture and humanity
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gain respect and increase curiosity about cultural differences in today’s world
Course Materials
Wade, Bonnie C. "Thinking Musically", 3rd ed. Oxford University Press, 2013. (ISBN: 978-0199844869)
Technical Requirements/Assistance
All assignments and assessments will be submitted through Blackboard. If you must turn in a document, you may copy and paste the text from a Microsoft Word, Pages, or other document into the submission field in Bb, or simply attach the document to the assignment. If a recording or other submission material is acceptable or required, the assignment will state so. Students are expected to use their official UND email in the course. Visit the Office 365 Email webpage for information on your UND email and how to download/install a free version of Microsoft Office. For technical assistance, please contact UND Technical Support at 701.777.2222. Visit the University Information Technologies (UIT) website for their hours, help documents and other resources.
Minimum Technical Skills Needed
In order to succeed in this course, at a minimum, you should be able to:
Insert minimum requirements expected and needed. In the bulleted example list below
- Navigate in and use basic Blackboard functions
- Download and open electronic documents
- Create, save, and upload/attach electronic documents
- Send, receive, and manage email
Course Logistics
Access and Log in Information
This course was developed and will be facilitated utilizing Blackboard. To get started with the course, please go to: http://blackboard.UND.edu and log in with your NDUS.Identifier, Username and Password. If you do not know your NDUS Identifier or have forgotten your password, please visit Your NDUS Account page on the UIT website.
Course Overview
This syllabus describes the requirements and procedures for MUSC203: Music and Culture. The course content is organized by week for this semester. Each week contains a purpose, learning outcomes, and a variety of links to articles, video/audio files, and other instructional resources selected to enhance the learning experience and support the various topics. Discussions, assignments, and projects will be used to assess your comprehension and application of those materials.
Students—Do This First
Prior to the start of the first week you should have reviewed the Syllabus and Schedule, Announcements, and Week 1 sections in Blackboard, as well as have procured our "Thinking Musically" textbook.
Weekly Assignments
On the left side course menu in Blackboard there is a “Weekly Assignments” tab. Inside you will find all the required readings, videos, and assignments/activities for the week. An overview of each week can be found in Blackboard under the Syllabus and Schedule tab.
Resources
Many services are available to UND students such as writing assistance from the UND Writing Center, free online tutoring from Smarthinking, and more. Visit the Student Resources page for more information. Students also have access to the UND Student Resource Site via Blackboard. It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials within the site to better equip you in navigating the course.
Course Requirements/Expectations
- The student will review the syllabus and course schedule posted in Blackboard.
- The student will access and follow all course instructions found in the weekly area of the Blackboard course.
- The student will participate in any lecture or discussion sessions on campus or online as provided and as part of this course.
- The student will complete and submit assignments, exams, quizzes, etc. by the dated noted and in the manner described in Blackboard and on the course schedule. We will use Central Standard Time for due dates and times.
- The student will participate fully and in a timely manner to get the benefit of learning from instructor and/or peers.
Instructor Responsibilities and Feedback
Insert responsibilities students can expect the instructor to meet. Example provided below.
- The instructor will provide feedback on all assignments and group activities by Wednesday of the following week.
- The instructor will be available during appointed Office Hours to answer questions, provide feedback, and offer advice.
Communication
Students and Instructor will communicate using official UND email addresses during this course. Instructor will endeavor to respond to any student email within 24 hours Monday-Friday, and by end of day Monday if email received over the weekend. You may also schedule an appointment or drop in to the office hours listed above. Email Dr. M at justin.montigne@und.edu.
Announcements
Announcements will be posted in Blackboard on a regular basis. Be sure to check the class announcements regularly as they will contain important information about class assignments and other class matters.
Discussion Forums
Discussions are an excellent way for you to engage with the course material and with your peers. Some weeks we will use an assigned discussion forum. You are expected to read all assigned discussions and provide thoughtful contributions.
Course Etiquette
When participating in class (online or in person) it is important to interact with your peers in an appropriate manner. Always use professional language (no netspeak) in your postings and emails. Please be respectful of your classmates at all times even if you disagree with their ideas.
Assessments
Attendance
Presence and participation in class are paramount for students to learn course material and be successful. Attendance is the most significant component of the final course grade (40%). Students are also required to participate in all class activities in and outside of class time. Students are allowed one unexcused absence per semester. If illness or unforeseen circumstances arise, please email the instructor before class to explain and request an excused absence, which will be allowed at the discretion of the instructor.
Chapter Activities/Weekly Assignments
We will be using the activities mentioned in the book to explore or reflect on the content. Some will be experienced in class and some will be assignments due outside of class time.
Self-Assessment
- Preliminary: 1 paragraph (5 pts); due 1/20/23
- Midterm: 2-3 paragraphs (10 pts); due 3/10/23
- Final: 2-3 paragraphs (15 pts); due 5/5/23
Novel Music Experience
(due 4/7/23)
- Attend and write a written reflection on a musical event in a genre you’ve never before experienced.
- Check out UND Events Calendar, Visit Grand Forks, UND Culture Nights to begin your search for events.
Final Project
This can be in the form of a written document, poster paper, video/short film, composition, lecture-recital, mixed media presentation, etc. Discuss your idea with the instructor for approval. The different phases of the process will be addressed throughout the semester, each phase getting its own due date.
- Topic Choice (15 pts) due 3/10/23
- Abstract (20 pts) due 3/31/23
- Penultimate Version (55 pts) due 4/14/23
- Final Version (35 pts) due last two weeks of classes by student/arrangement - TBD
Assessment Summary
Assessment Final Grade
- Attendance (41 @ 5 pts each) 215 Points
- Weekly Assignments (15 @ 10 pts each) 150 Points
- Self Assessment (5, 10, 15 pts each) 30 Points
- Novel Music Experience 20 Points
- Final Project 125 Points
- Active Participation in each class and activity can, at instructor's discretion, improve or lesson the above point values.
Total: 540 Points
Final Grade Scale
> 89.5% A
79.5-89.4% B
69.5-79.5% C
59.5-69.4% D
< 59.4% F
Schedule of Topics and Assignments
Day: | Date: | Reading(s): | Due: |
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Appendix
This is a place to add things like resources, rubrics, etc.
Course Policies
The section below contains examples of course policies you may wish to include in your course such as late work, class participation, netiquette, technology statements, etc. You may fully edit this section to add and/or remove polices as they pertain to your course.
Assignment & Late Work Policy
Due dates for each assignment or activity will be posted in Blackboard. All assignments must be submitted by the due date and time posted in the course. All times are posted in the Central Time Zone.
The acceptance of late assignments is at the discretion of the instructor. If extenuating circumstances arise, it is your responsibility to contact the instructor prior the due date and request an extension. All requirements for this course must be completed during the course dates.
Class Participation
Students are expected to attend all class meetings and to participate in all class activities. Active participation, while not assigned weekly points, can improve or lessen your grade at the instructor's discretion. It is to your benefit and to the benefit of class discussions and group learning that you participate regularly and fully in class.
Incompletes
It is expected that students will complete all requirements for a course during the time frame of the course. For reasons beyond a student’s control, and upon request by the student or on behalf of the student, an incomplete grade may be assigned by the instructor when there is reasonable certainty the student will successfully complete the course without retaking it. The mark “I,” Incomplete, will be assigned only to the student who has been in attendance and has done satisfactory work up to a time within four weeks of the close of the semester, including the examination period, and whose work is incomplete for reasons satisfactory to his or her instructor. More information regarding UND’s Incomplete policy can be found on The Grading System webpage.
Resolution of Problems
Should a problem occur, you should speak to your instructor first. If the problem is not resolved, go to the department chair, and next to the college dean. Should the problem persist, you have the right to go to the provost next, and then to the president.
Netiquette
When participating in class (online or in person) it is important to interact with your peers in an appropriate manner. Netiquette is a set of rules for behaving properly online. Here are a few basic points to remember when communicating in this course:
Be scholarly. Use proper language, grammar, and spelling. Explain your thoughts, justify opinions, and credit the ideas of others by citing scholarly resources. Avoid misinforming others when you are unsure of the answer. When discussing something and supplying a guess, clearly state that.
Be respectful. Respect the privacy of others. Do not share personal or professional information about others unless permission has been granted. Respect diversity and opinions that differ from their own. Be tactful when you communicate.
Be professional. Everyone should strive to give their best impression online. Truthfulness, accuracy, and running a final spell check are appropriate expectations for university students. Writing in a legible font and limiting the use of emoticons is considered professional behavior. Profanity and participation in hostile interactions, known as flaming, is unprofessional as well as disruptive.
Be polite. Students should address professors and instructors by the appropriate title or requested name. Students should interact online politely, just as they would be expected to do in a physical environment. Sarcasm, rudeness, and writing in all capital letters (shouting) should be avoided.
Pronouns
Everyone has the right to be addressed by the name and personal pronouns that correspond to their gender identity, including non-binary pronouns, for example: they/them/theirs, ze/zir/zirs, etc.
I recognize that preferred names and pronouns may change during the quarter, if at any point during the quarter you would like to be addressed differently, please let me know.
As part of our commitment to inclusion in this course, it is important that all students in this class respect the preferred names and pronouns of their peers. Mistakes in addressing one another may happen. If you make a mistake or are corrected, please briefly apologize and correct yourself.
Technology Statement
In this class we will have a technology policy that is designed to support your attention to one another and to the course material. We will spend the majority of our time engaged in activities that depend upon you being present and attentive to one another, and course content we will study. We are all challenged these days by the ways in which our digital devices—including laptops, tablets, phones, and watches—can steal our attention away from our immediate surroundings. Technology should be used for educational purposes only during scheduled class times.
Collaboration and Recording (For Online, Hybrid, Hyflex courses)
Sharing personal experiences and opinions is an important part of the learning process. In the (hybrid, hyflex, synchronous, etc.) environment of this course, all of our interactions are recorded (via Zoom, Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, Yuja, etc) and made available to students in the course. The purpose of these recordings is to enhance learning for all students. If your peers make personal statements in this course, consider those comments in the context of our learning goals and do not share them with people outside the course. If you have questions or concerns about any recordings, please contact me.
Copyright Notice
Insert copyright information here if needed.
College/Department Policies
In addition to Course and University Policies, the Colleges and/or Departments may have some of their own. Please edit this section to add any polices for your college or department. This could include things like mission statements, professional standards, ethical statements, etc.
University of North Dakota Policies & Resources
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a serious matter, and any deviations from appropriate behavior will be dealt with strongly. At the discretion of the professor, situations of concern may be dealt with as a scholastic matter or a disciplinary matter.
As a scholastic matter, the professor has the discretion to determine appropriate penalties for the student’s workload or grade, but the situation may be resolved without involving many individuals. An alternative is to treat the situation as a disciplinary matter, which can result in suspension from the University, or have lesser penalties. Be aware that I view this as a very serious matter and will have little tolerance and/or sympathy for questionable practices. A student who attempts to obtain credit for work that is not their own (whether that be on a paper, quiz, homework assignment, exam, etc.) will likely receive a failing grade for that item of work, and at the professor’s discretion, may also receive a failing grade in the course. For more information read the Code of Student Life.
Access and Opportunity, Disability Support, & Medical Services
The University of North Dakota is committed to providing equal access to students with documented disabilities. To ensure access to this class and your program, please contact Disability Services for Students (DSS) to engage in a confidential discussion about accommodations for the classroom and clinical settings. Accommodations are not provided retroactively. Students are encouraged to register with DSS at the start of their program. More information can be obtained by email UND.dss@UND.edu or by phone at 701.777.2664.
COVID-19
UND is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment while providing quality learning experiences for our students. COVID-19’s continued presence within our UND community may necessitate changes in classroom management as the academic year progresses. As such, UND asks students and instructors to be flexible when necessary to promote a safe environment for learning. Please do not attend an in-person class or lab if you are feeling ill, particularly if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been directed by health professionals to quarantine or isolate. If you are not able to attend class or lab, please notify your instructor as soon as possible and discuss options for making up any missed work in order to ensure your ability to succeed in the course. If you will have an extended absence due to serious illness or other uncontrollable circumstances, you may request an absence notification through the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Similarly, if your instructor is ill they may need to cancel class or temporarily move your course to online delivery to ensure that you are able to complete the course successfully. Instructors may require students to wear masks in the classroom or in the laboratory as a preventative measure designed to facilitate uninterrupted classroom engagement and to facilitate health and safety in the classroom. If your instructor does require masks in class or in a laboratory, you are expected to comply with that request.
UND also strongly encourages all members of the University community, including students, to get vaccinated, seek out testing when needed, and model positive behavior both on- and off-campus to foster a healthy and safe learning environment for all students. Individuals who would like to discuss disability accommodations regarding masks should contact the Disability Services for Students (DSS) office at 701.777.2664 or UND.dss@UND.edu. Individuals who are unable to wear a mask due to a sincerely held religious belief should contact the UND Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office at 701.777.4171 or UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu.
Religious Accommodations
UND offers religious accommodations, which are reasonable changes in the academic environment that enable a student to practice or observe a sincerely held religious belief without undue hardship on the University. Examples include time for prayer or the ability to attend religious events or observe a religious holiday. To request an accommodation, complete the student religious accommodation request form. If you have any questions, you may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office.
Pregnancy Accommodations
Students who need assistance with academic adjustments related to pregnancy or childbirth may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or Academic Affairs to learn about your options. Additional information and services may be found at Pregnancy Resources.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
It is the policy of the University of North Dakota that no person shall be discriminated against because of race, religion, age, color, gender, disability, national origin, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran’s status, or political belief or affiliation and the equal opportunity and access to facilities shall be available to all. Concerns regarding Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA, and Section 504 may be addressed to Donna Smith, Assistant Vice President for Equal Opportunity & Title IX and Title IX/ADA Coordinator, 102 Twamley Hall, 701.777.4171, UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Education, 230 S. Dearborn St., 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604 or any other federal agency.
Reporting of Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct
If you or a friend has experienced sexual misconduct, such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, please contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or UND’s Title IX Coordinator, Donna Smith, for assistance: 701.777.4171; donna.smith@UND.edu; or visit the Title IX webpage. You may also contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX office if you or a friend has experienced discrimination or harassment based on a protected class, such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, pregnancy, marital or parental status, veteran's status, or political belief or affiliation.
Faculty Reporting Obligations Regarding Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct
It is important for students to understand that faculty are required to share with UND’s Title IX Coordinator any incidents of sexual misconduct or of discrimination or harassment based on a protected class that they become aware of, even if those incidents occurred in the past or are disclosed as part of a class assignment. This does not mean an investigation will occur if the student does not want that, but it does allow UND to provide resources to help the student continue to be successful at UND. If you have been impacted by discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, you can find information about confidential support services on the Equal Opportunity & Title IX webpage..
UND Cares Program
How to Seek Help When in Distress
We know that while college is a wonderful time for most students, however, some students may struggle or have issues that arise. You may experience students in distress on campus, in your classroom, in your home, and within residence halls. Distressed students may initially seek assistance from faculty, staff members, their parents, and other students. In addition to the support we can provide to each other, there are also professional support services available to students through the Dean of Students and University Counseling Center. Both staffs are available to consult with you about getting help or providing a friend with the help that he or she may need. For more additional information, please visit the UND Cares Program Webpage.
How to Recognize When a Student is in Distress
The term “distressed” can mean any of the following:
- Student has significant changes in eating, sleeping, grooming, spending, or other daily activities.
- Student has cut off or minimized contact with family or friends.
- Student has significant changes in performance or involvement in academics, sports, extracurricular, or social activities.
- Student describes problems (missing class, not remembering, destructive behavior) that result from experiences with drinking or drugs.
- Student is acting withdrawn, volatile, tearful, etc.
- Student is acting out of character or different than usual.
- Student is talking explicitly about hopelessness or suicide.
- Student has difficulty concentrating or difficulty carrying on a normal conversation.
- Student has excessive dependence on others for company or support.
- Student reports feeling out of control of one’s emotions, thoughts, or behaviors.
Land Acknowledgement Statement
Today, the University of North Dakota rests on the ancestral lands of the Pembina and Red Lake Bands of Ojibwe and the Dakota Oyate - presently existing as composite parts of the Red Lake, Turtle Mountain, White Earth Bands, and the Dakota Tribes of Minnesota and North Dakota. We acknowledge the people who resided here for generations and recognize that the spirit of the Ojibwe and Oyate people permeate this land. As a university community, we will continue to build upon our relations with the First Nations of the State of North Dakota - the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Nation, Spirit Lake Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.
Additional Resources
It is my goal to foster an environment of mutual respect in which everyone feels comfortable voicing their opinions, sharing their stories, and learning about potentially heavy or personally relevant material. If, at any point, you feel like the information covered in this class elicits thoughts, feelings, or concerns that you would like to discuss further, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, or the UND Counseling Center (701-777-2127).
Further, if you experience extenuating circumstances, sexual violence, identity-based harm, or any other personal crisis during the semester, don’t hesitate to reach out to me so we can provide academic assistance and help you in this course, and put you in contact with the appropriate resources and services (if needed).
- UND Care Team: 701-777-2664 (8:00 AM to 4:30 PM M-F) or 701-777-3491 (evenings and weekends)
- UND Campus Police: 701-777-3491·UND Student Health: 701-777-4500
- UND Title IX Resources
- Abuse and Rape Crisis Hotline (CVIC): 701-746-8900 (24 hours)
- Grand Forks Police Department: 701-787-8000 (24 hours)
- Emergency Room: 701-780-5280
- UND Student Diversity and Inclusion: 701-777-6985
- Food For Thought Pantry: (Wilkerson Commons Room 169; 701-777-4200)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (1-800-273-8255)