Introduction Lecture

This is not a lecture, per se, but an outline of important things to know about the class.

Welcome

Welcome to all who have enrolled. I am excited about this venture. I have seen in the three years that I've offered this course over the Internet that the course can be exciting for the students, as well. Responses from students who have taken this course have been extremely positive.

There are some important areas to discuss, since this is still a new type of class, or at least it may be to you. You might want to take a look at Is Distance Ed For You?

Enrollment

All students must show proof of identity to take the midterm and final exams. I will need to see a photo I.D. to make sure you are taking the exam (and not someone else)! You must be enrolled in the class and subscribed to the class listserv to take the midterm and final exams.

Class Attendance

All students must be at the initial classes, unless some arrangement has been made with me.

Where to Start

  • Purchase the textbook. Each student must have her/his own textbook.
  • Get online, if you aren't already. Make sure you have a login and know how to use it. Get comfortable with the Internet and the World Wide Web. Each student must have his/her own e-mail account and address. You can't share one with a friend or spouse, etc. It doesn't have to be an NEIU account or address.
  • Go to the course's Main Page (http://www.neiu.edu/users/ujlucas/muscon/syllabus/) and look at all of the materials, beginning with Course Information. Begin working your way through the site by clicking on the icons. Get comfortable with the organization of the site. Pay close attention to all of the materials on the web site: read through all of the materials included in the top six icons (and look carefully at links included as well).
  • Take a good look at the Calendar!
  • Do the N.A.D.A. Assignment (click on the N.A.D.A. icon for information).
  • Once you've done the N.A.D.A. assignment and have looked through all of the top six icons on the web site, begin with the Sound?MIDI section of the class.

    Sound/MIDI

    Since this is the first "Content Unit" (i.e. the first part of the course upon which you will be tested), here is an approach/plan for you:
    1. Read the Sound/MIDI portion of the web site.
    2. Take a look at the Sound Lecture, "Sound: The Loud and the Soft of It."
    3. Read the appropriate/assigned pages in the textbook.
    4. Do the appropriate/assigned exercises (saving and recording as you go).

    Here's a Tip

    If you've been thinking of purchasing a computer (with a modem) and/or you know of someone who could lend you one, or if you know a scenario where you could have easy access to one at home or work, you may want to take such a step now, because it makes taking this class much easier. If you don't have access at home or work, make sure that you can schedule lots of time on the computers at NEIU, and at times when computers are available.

    More Information

    Read the latest information in the Announcements page.
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