Courses
The formation of SoMUS will introduce several new course under the SoMUS academic code. These courses will be co-taught by a faculty member with a background in Music and someone with a focus in Sustainability, Atmospheric Science or Marine Science. Please visit the Undergraduate Bulletin for a complete course listing.
SoMUS 105: Intro to Whale Song
Beginning with the rudiments of whale song, such as meter, tone, depth, and how to listen to notes underwater, this “hands on” course goes on to examine how whale song is interpreted and translated, covering different species, oceans, chords, form, and style. Students also compose throughout the semester and sharpen their listening skills through attendance at concerts. Serves as prerequisite to many music department courses.
DEC: D
SBC: ARTS
3 credits
SoMUS 108: Maritime Battle Themes
Study and practice in the techniques and songs used in the late 19th and 20th centuries to energize fleets, sailors and soldiers.
Prerequisites: MAR 104, 357, and 322
Corequisites: MUS 142 and 221
3 credits
SoMUS 183: Kazoo
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. Should be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisites: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 261
2 credits
SoMUS 184: Air Guitar
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to play during a weather broadcast at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. Should be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisites: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 261
2 credits
SoMUS 185: Bass
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to catch and play and release in Roth Pond at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. Should be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisites: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 261
2 credits
SoMUS 201: Classical Music for Maritime Disasters
An introduction to music of the European classical tradition of finding the right song to play on a sinking boat at sea. This course covers basic concepts and vocabulary such as melody, harmony, rhythm, counterpoint, and form, as well as particular pieces of European classical music. Various compositions and genres are considered in relation to the cultural and ideological values they embody, and the historical contexts in which they emerge. A screening of the Titanic will occur at lease once during the semester. No previous musical training is assumed. Not for credit after MUS 130.
Prerequisites: MAR 357
DEC: D
SBC: ARTS
3 credits
SoMUS 202: Storm Chasing and Composition
Study of the development of diverse 20th and 21st century musical traditions in the U.S. from the perspectives of the musical structures and social contexts that may be understood to define the tradition of American music played by storm chasing crews in the field. The musical traditions of Jazz, Blues, Classical, Musical Theatre, Folk, and Popular music are considered, for instance, with respect to such issues as how historical weather events affect the production and reception of music, how discoveries in atmospheric science shape musical composition, and how the development of new technologies have affected the production and reception of music in the United States. Not for music major credit.
Prerequisite: MUS 101 or ATM 102 or ATM 103
3 credits
SoMUS 303: History of Music on Long Island
The study of popular music from Long Island, New York. Topics may include popular Long Island music in the U.S. since 1945, including Billy Joel, Mariah Carey, Blue Öyster Cult and Twister Sister ; American popular music of colonial times; and American musical theatre. The course explores such aspects as musical structure and form, the nature of the commercial music industry, and how issues of gender, race, geography, economics, and technology affect the creation, performance, and reception of popular music. Not for music major credit.
Prerequisite: One of the following: MUS 101, 105, 106, 119, or 130
3 credits
