12/3/2024 9:42:19 AM	MUSC 18.4 Course Outline as of Summer 2025	Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  MUSC 18.4	Title:  DICTION & REP: FRENCH
Full Title:  Diction and Repertoire: French
Last Reviewed:3/27/2023

Units		Course Hours per Week			Nbr of Weeks	Course Hours Total
Maximum	1.00	Lecture Scheduled	1.00		17.5 max.	Lecture Scheduled	17.50
Minimum	1.00	Lab Scheduled	1.00		4 min.	Lab Scheduled	17.50
		Contact DHR	0			Contact DHR	0
		Contact Total	2.00			Contact Total	35.00
		Non-contact DHR	0			Non-contact DHR Total	0

Total Out of Class Hours:  35.00

Total Student Learning Hours: 70.00

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade Only
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly: 

Catalog Description:

Students will study the literal and phonetic translation, pronunciation, and interpretation of standard operatic and art song literature in French. Students can challenge the course prerequisite by audition. See the Auditions Page on the Music Department website for more information.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:
Course Completion or Concurrent Enrollment in MUSP 17B; OR Course Completion or Concurrent Enrollment in MUSP 40.2; OR by Audition

Recommended Preparation:
Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description:

Students will study the literal and phonetic translation, pronunciation, and interpretation of standard operatic and art song literature in French. Students can challenge the course prerequisite by audition. See the Auditions Page on the Music Department website for more information.

(Grade Only)
Prerequisites:Course Completion or Concurrent Enrollment in MUSP 17B; OR Course Completion or Concurrent Enrollment in MUSP 40.2; OR by Audition
Recommended:Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:		Effective:		Inactive:
Area:
CSU GE:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
IGETC:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
CSU Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 2016	Inactive:
UC Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 2016	Inactive:
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Major Applicable Course

COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Accurately decipher song and aria texts and demonstrate appropriate interpretation of standard French vocal literature.

 

Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Perform art song and operatic literature in French with correct singing pronunciation.

2. Use vocal techniques and musical interpretations appropriate to the style.

3. Research and explain the literal meaning of song and aria texts within their historical and cultural context.

4. Produce proper phonetic transliterations of French song and aria texts using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).

5. Demonstrate knowledge of the broad range of repertoire constituting the standard vocal literature in French.

Topics and Scope

I. Introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet

    A. Symbols for vowels

    B. Symbols for consonants - voiced and unvoiced

II. Pronunciation Rules and Guides for French

III. Practical Applications

    A. Deciphering texts

         1. Translations from reference sources

         2. Using the dictionary

    B.  Pronunciation vs. good vocal technique

         1. Vowels and consonants in relation to tessitura

         2. Pronunciation modifications for different applications

         3. Variations with respect to the student's own native language orientation

         4. Facial postures

    C.  Literature and repertoire

         1. Music of the Bel Canto era and into the present

         2. The development of opera

         3. The art song and its history in Western music

IV. Analysis and Evaluation of Recorded and Live Performances of Vocal Repertoire

    A. Professional recordings by various artists

    B. Internet research

    C. Live concerts

V. The Artist's Process

    A. Literature selection

    B. Preparing the text

    C. Researching the historical context

    D. The role of the coach and accompanist

    E. Procedure and practice - stylistic and technical considerations

    F. Stage deportment and traditions

All topics are covered in the lecture and lab portions of the course.

Assignments:

Lecture-Related Assignments:

1. Reading assignments in the text (10-20 pages/week, ungraded).

2. Completion of worksheets analyzing the style elements of the composition of study.

3. Written analysis and critique of recorded performance of the composition of study.

4. Library research on the background and the historical context of the composition of study.

5. Exams on phonetic symbols and vocal music terminology (2-4).

 

Lab-Related Assignments:

1. Pronunciation practice of International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbols and specific language sounds for French.

2. Written work transliterating each word of the sung text into IPA pronunciation symbols.

3. Written translation of the French text into literal and also syntactically correct English.

4. Recitals and in-class performances of arias and/or art songs to demonstrate the application of proper linguistic pronunciation skills (3-4).

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.

Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.		Writing 10 - 20%
Translations of song texts, research reports, and critiques
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.		Problem Solving 10 - 20%
Phonetic transliterations; worksheets
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.		Skill Demonstrations 40 - 60%
Recitals and in-class performances
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.		Exams 5 - 20%
Exams
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.		Other Category 10 - 20%
Attendance and class participation

Representative Textbooks and Materials:

Diction for Singers: A Concise Reference for English, Italian, Latin, German, French and Spanish Pronunciation. Wall, Joan et al. Pacific Isle Publishing. 2005 (classic).

Song: A Guide To Art Song Style And Literature. Kimball, Carol. Hal Leonard Corporation. 2006 (classic).

Favorite French Art Songs - Volumes 1 & 2 (High or Low Voice). The Vocal Library Vocal Collection Series. Piano/vocal score with CD. Hal Leonard 1992 (classic).

Instructor prepared lab manual.

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