Dr. A. Woll, Robeson Library 298
Phone: 225-6671
awoll@camden.rutgers.edu
Required Books:
Wilk, Overture and Finale
Rosenberg, Fascinating Rhythm
Secrest, Stephen Sondheim
Bergreen, As Thousands Cheer
And, Whitfield, In Search of American Jewish Culture (on e-reserve)
Various articles will be handed out each week for discussion as well.
For reference information, click here: Reference Works, Books, and Internet Resources.
September 6:
Introduction Audio Assignment
#1 (a continuing assignment to be completed during the semester)
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September 13:
Origins of the musical
Library Session
(Currently inactive) |
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September 20:
Pioneers
Stephen Whitfield, (e-reserve)
*Note interviews on American Popular Song, audio assignment #1 above. |
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9/27 Irving Berlin and American Music
Writing Assignment #1 Due Bergreen, As Thousands Cheer, Parts: 1 & 2 |
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10/4 The Musical: An Escapist Form?
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10/11 The Gershwins Writing Assignment
#2 Due
Deena Rosenberg, Fascinating Rhythm, entire · Porgy and Bess
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10/18 RAGS (Cost $10—Walnut Street Theater) Gerald Mast, Can’t Help Singin’, Chs. 10-13
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10/25 Oklahoma Critique of Rags due Wilk, Overture and Finale, entire · Rodgers and Hammerstein
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11/1 The Lyricists · Philip Furia, The Poets of Tin Pan Alley
Complete Bergreen, As Thousands Cheer |
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11/8 & 11/15 &11/29
The Shows (1950-1999): Student Presentations · Pajama Game (1954)
· How To Succeed in Business (1961)
· Chorus Line (1975)
· La Cage Aux Folles (1983) · Rent (1996)
Gerald Mast, Can’t Help Singin’, Chs. 14-18
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12/6 Stephen Sondheim
Secrest, Stephen Sondheim (entire) Viewing on tape: Sunday in the Park With George or Into the Woods · West Side Story (1957)
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12/13 Finale
Writing Assignment #3 Due
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GRADES: 1. Each paper will be worth 100 points (or 400 total). 2. The class presentation grade will be 150 points. (This is separate from class participation) 3. The class participation grade for the semester will be 150 points. (The class participation grade assumes that all assignments are completed on time, and the student is prepared to offer intelligent and thoughtful discussion on the matter at hand.) Thus, your total grade will be based on 700 points. (90%=A; 88% B+; 80%=B; 78% = C+; 70% = C; 60% = D) You are expected to attend each session and be prepared to discuss the material. While you are allowed ONE absence, each succeeding absence will cause a 30 point reduction in your class participation grade. |
Audio assignments will be posted weekly.
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