SRJC Course Outlines

12/7/2024 6:43:43 AMMUSC 18.1 Course Outline as of Summer 2025

Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION

Discipline and Nbr:  MUSC 18.1Title:  DICTION & REP: ITALIAN  
Full Title:  Diction and Repertoire: Italian
Last Reviewed:3/27/2023

UnitsCourse Hours per Week Nbr of WeeksCourse Hours Total
Maximum1.00Lecture Scheduled1.0017.5 max.Lecture Scheduled17.50
Minimum1.00Lab Scheduled1.004 min.Lab Scheduled17.50
 Contact DHR0 Contact DHR0
 Contact Total2.00 Contact Total35.00
 
 Non-contact DHR0 Non-contact DHR Total0

 Total Out of Class Hours:  35.00Total 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:
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Students will study the literal and phonetic translation, pronunciation, and interpretation of standard operatic and art song literature in Italian. 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 Current Enrollment in MUSP 17B ( or MUSCP 17B) OR Course Completion or Current Enrollment in MUSP 40.2 ( or MUSCP 40.2)


Recommended Preparation:
Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description: Untitled document
Students will study the literal and phonetic translation, pronunciation, and interpretation of standard operatic and art song literature in Italian. 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 Current Enrollment in MUSP 17B ( or MUSCP 17B) OR Course Completion or Current Enrollment in MUSP 40.2 ( or MUSCP 40.2)
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:TransferableEffective:Fall 2016Inactive:
 
UC Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 2016Inactive:
 
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:
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1. Accurately decipher song and aria texts and demonstrate appropriate interpretation of standard Italian vocal literature.
 

Objectives: Untitled document
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Perform art song and operatic literature in Italian 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 Italian 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 Italian.

Topics and Scope
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I. Introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet
    A. Symbols for vowels
    B. Symbols for consonants - voiced and unvoiced
II. Pronunciation Rules and Guides for Italian
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:
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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 critiques of recorded performance of the composition of study.
4. Research reports, including 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 Italian.
2. Written work transliterating each word of the sung text into IPA pronunciation symbols.
3. Written translation of the Italian text into literal and 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:
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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).
28 Italian Songs & Arias of the 17th & 18th Century (Med. High or Med. Low Voice). Walters, Richard, ed. Piano/vocal score with CD. G. Schirmer. 2008 (classic).
Instructor prepared lab manual.

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