UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG - Mercy College

Course Descriptions / 247
MEDA 397 Independent Study in Media Studies:
A self-directed course initiated, designed, and carried out by the student with the consultation
and guidance of a faculty member to pursue some special interest in the media. 3 crs.
MEDA 399 Internship in Media Studies:
The student is given the opportunity to supplement classroom studies with on-the-job
experience in the field of media. The student works at a newspaper, radio station, or other
media facility under employer supervision and reports regularly to a faculty member. Up to
three internships are allowable totaling no more than nine credits. Prerequisite: 18 credits in
Media Studies courses and permission of the Media Studies program director. 3-6 crs.
MEDA 400 Senior Seminar:
Capstone Course. Advanced studies in theory. Intensive exploration of the problematic,
profound rifts among the different schools of film theorists. Application of theories to current
first-run films and to problematic films in cinema history. Each student will produce a senior
dissertation. Prerequisite: MEDA 210, MEDA 211. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
Music
MUSI 101 The Elements of Music and Developmental Musicianship:
A foundation course covering clefs; the notation of pitch and rhythm; time and key signatures;
introduction to scales, intervals, and chords and rhythmic drills. Analysis of brief and simple
compositions. Concert attendance strongly recommended. Open to all college students;
required for pre-Theory majors. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Majors who do not qualify for MUSI 103 Theory and Musicianship I must register for MUSI 101
The Elements of Music: Developmental Musicianship Practicum the first semester of their freshman
year. (Non-major credit)
MUSI 103 Theory and Musicianship I:
An overview of fundamental concepts of music theory and their basic applications: acoustics,
rhythm, melody, solfege, harmony, counterpoint, form, and orchestration. Exercises in simple
part-writing, from two to four parts; simple figured bass and analysis. Concert attendance
and reports required. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
MUSI 104 Theory and Musicianship II:
More advanced study of Theory I topics. The major and minor triads and their inversions; the
simple diminished chord; secondary chords; introduction to modulation; aspects of texture,
harmonic rhythm, timbre, instrumentation, and form. Concert attendance and reports required.
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
MUSI 107 Music Appreciation:
This course serves as an introduction to the diverse styles and traditions of music of the world,
drawing selectively on the United States, Western Europe, and other areas of the globe. It
is within this context that the course aims to teach the fundamentals of listening, the basic
elements of music, and the capacity to think critically about the nature of music in its vast
cultural diversity. Directed listening, lectures, videos, and readings. 3 sem. hrs. Prerequisite:
ENGL 110. 3 crs.
MUSI 195 Topics in Honors Music:
This course will vary from year to year depending on student interest and concurrent honors
program offerings. Subjects to be studied might include issues in the international music scene,
comparisons of “art” music and popular music, western and non-western music, or music and
political censorship. May replace General Education course MUSI 107. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.