Abstract:

Music Appreciation is integral to the vast majority of undergraduate liberal arts curricula. The subject is broad, enlisting teachers from a variety of specialty areas (i.e. clarinet performance to vocal jazz) to engage undergraduates from an even wider discipline field. Despite the spectrum of expertise, most music appreciation instructors sequence material historically—a generic, straightforward approach that comprehensively presents the subject in a way that meets university general education requirements. In an attempt to enhance the learning experience, many universities are dressing up their general education programs by adopting meaningful mission statements, in addition to overhauling their existing courses.

In 2011, Viterbo University adopted the following mission statement for its general education program: “In the tradition of our Catholic, Franciscan heritage and our firm foundation in the Liberal Arts, Viterbo University's general education program prepares students to live and work in our global society, affirm the dignity of all people, embrace a passion for justice, revere the natural world, and nurture a spirit of inquiry and a love of truth.” Mission Seminars were added, along with faculty invitations to create courses that incorporated values within specific disciplines. Students are required to take four different mission seminars throughout the course of their undergraduate training.

Franciscan Values and Traditions: Music and More (VUSM 150--001) is a freshmen-level seminar that introduces students to Franciscan life, while fulfilling the “Artistic Awareness-Way of Thinking” general education requirement. The innovative course design explores the history of the university’s founders and the life of St. Francis of Assisi by integrating the discipline of classical music with Viterbo University’s core values (hospitality, service, stewardship, contemplation, and integrity).

“Heart and Soul: Teaching Music Appreciation within a Values-Based General Education Context” presents the course as a creative alternative to music appreciation curricula. The topical presentation of material, along with the infusion of values, brings exciting new dimensions and possibilities to the field. Creative ideas for structuring curriculum, class projects, and activities are explored. Teachers of any discipline are invited to see how one teacher revitalized a catalog-worn course into an offering packed with meaning and purpose.

Keywords:

Education, creativity, values.