Course Description
An exploration of music education with particular attention to societal influences on teaching and learning music in the classroom and/or the studio.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- An understanding of key sociological theories and their application to music education.
- An ability to analyze the impact of race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability on music teaching and learning.
- An ability to critically evaluate the "hidden curriculum" and structural inequalities within school music programs.
- An ability to conduct a sociological case study of a local music-making context, including field observation and interviewing.
- An ability to articulate a personal philosophy of "sociologically savvy" music education practice.
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Weekly Discussions and Assignments (Weeks 1–12) | 40% |
| Case Study: Final Paper | 25% |
| Case Study: Presentation | 15% |
| Closing Video Reflection (Week 13) | 15% |
| Webinar Reflection (Week 12) | 5% |
Note: UNCG Graduate School policy does not award grades of C−, D+, D, or D−.
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| ≥ 93.0% | A |
| 90.0–92.9% | A− |
| 87.0–89.9% | B+ |
| 83.0–86.9% | B |
| 80.0–82.9% | B− |
| 77.0–79.9% | C+ |
| 73.0–76.9% | C |
| < 73.0% | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Because this course is fully online and asynchronous, there is no attendance policy in the strict sense. Participation is measured through timely completion of weekly assignments, discussion boards, and peer replies. Students are expected to log into Canvas regularly and meet all weekly deadlines.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
- Froehlich, H. C., & Smith, G. D. (2017). Sociology for music teachers: Perspectives for practice (2nd ed.). Routledge.
- Kelly, S. N. (2015). Teaching music in American society: A social and cultural understanding of music education (2nd ed.). Routledge.
- Wright, R. (Ed.). (2010). Sociology and music education. Ashgate.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.