2008-2009 Catalog - Virginia Wesleyan College

PHILOSOPHY135rondo, theme and variations, sonata) are studied. Variousstrategies to analyze musical compositions are investigated.Post-impressionist and serial composition techniques areincluded. Theoretical analysis and study are accompaniedby parallel exercises in sightsinging and ear training.Prerequisite: C or better in MUS 226. MUS 325 offeredfall of odd-numbered years; MUS 326 offered spring ofeven-numbered years.480 Senior Project (3) (I)Intended as the culminating experience in the musicmajor, students present a formal recital or write anhistorical or critical thesis to demonstrate the successfulintegration of applied performance skills, knowledge ofmusic and cultural history, theoretical/analyticalproficiency, and aural skills. Required of all music majors.Should be taken during the final semester of applied musicstudy. Prerequisite: C or better in MUS 313, 314, and 326.APPLIED MUSIC COURSES (APMU)111 College Choir (1) (A)*The College Choir is offered as a cultural experience forany student of the College. A wide variety of choralliterature is studied and performed. While the ability toread music notation is not required, participants must beable to match pitch. Offered each semester. *Three semesterhours must be completed to fulfill a general studiesrequirement.113 Class Voice (2)Offered in conjunction with Wesleyan Singers, studentsstudy basic vocal techniques with emphasis on developingthe voice for both solo and choral use. Prerequisite:membership in Wesleyan Singers. Offered each semester.121-462 Applied Music: Private Study(Instrumental,Voice,Piano, Guitar) (2)(A)*Private applied music study is offered to studentsenrolled in the college regardless of previous musicalbackground or major interest. A serious commitment tolearning about classical music literature and the techniquerequired to perform such literature is required from thestudent. Students take a one-hour private lesson each weekand should expect to practice daily for at least one hour.This course requires a $250 fee in addition to regulartuition. Offered by arrangement with the coordinator forapplied music studies. Prerequisites: MUS 100 or showproficiency; for 300-level study, B or better in previoussemester. Consent. Offered each semester. *Foursemester hours must be completed to fulfill a general studiesrequirement.211 Wesleyan Singers (1) (A)*A small performance ensemble modeled on professionalstandards, the Wesleyan Singers offers a unique opportunityfor advanced students to explore singing on a higher levelthan is possible in a larger group of non-auditioned singers.An audition is required. Prerequisite: membership inCollege Choir. Offered each semester. *Three semester hoursmust be completed to fulfill a general studies requirement.230 Wesleyan Singers’ Performance Tour (3)(Winter Session)A performance tour of approximately one-weekduration with concerts each night. Performances may alsobe scheduled during the day in schools and retirementhomes. A week’s intensive rehearsal is scheduled beforedeparture and several performances on campus and in thearea occur upon return. Prerequisite: membership inWesleyan Singers. Offered each Winter Session.300 Chamber Music (2)Students explore the body of chamber music written fortheir instrument and select and prepare a chamber musiccomposition for performance with a professional ensemble.A weekly one-hour coaching session offers rehearsalstrategies as well as discussion of musical ideas andinterpretations. A $250 applied music fee is charged.PHILOSOPHYDR. STEVEN M. EMMANUEL, Program CoordinatorDR. PATRICK A. GOOLDDR. LAWRENCE D. HULTGRENDR. R. CATHAL WOODSPhilosophy in the CurriculumThe Greek word philosophia (’philosophy’) is acompound term which derives from the roots philein (’tolove’) and sophia (’wisdom’) and is commonly translated’love of wisdom.’ For Socrates, and those who followed hisexample, the love of wisdom took the form of a disciplinedreflection about human life and conduct. Convinced thatintellectual and moral integrity go hand in hand, Socratesraised fundamental questions about the nature of justice,virtue, and the good life. Proceeding by careful analysis andrigorous dialectic, he sought a knowledge of reality onwhich to establish a firm foundation for making soundmoral judgments. Though philosophical practice has takenmany different forms over the centuries, the conception ofphilosophy as a process of critical inquiry aimed at a deeperunderstanding of self and world remains the dominant one.In keeping with the ideal of a liberal arts education, thestudy of philosophy promotes the development ofanalytical, critical, and interpretive abilities that areimportant for life in general. Properly pursued,philosophical study cultivates the appetite and capacity forself-examination and reflection, for the open exchange anddebate of ideas, for responsible and intelligent participationin community affairs, and for lifelong learning.The program in philosophy is designed to providestudents with a coherent intellectual structure of study,while acquainting them with the broad diversity of ideasand approaches within the Western philosophical traditionand beyond. The curriculum covers significant periods andprominent figures in the history of intellectual thought, as