California State University, East Bay · GE Area 3A · 3 Units
Welcome to the course page for MUS 108. This is an introduction to the language of music in Western traditions, built around listening, analysis, and short creative projects. Over the semester we cover rhythm and meter, pitch, scales, chords, cadences, and form, and we look at how these technical elements shape expression, cultural meaning, and identity across different settings.
No prior musical training is required. Designed for non-majors.
Your final project is your chance to apply what you’ve learned this semester to something of your own. You’ll choose one of three genre options, compose a short piece, and write a reflection connecting your work to the cultural and historical context of the music you’re making.
Open the Final Project guide →
The guide walks you through the full project timeline (Draft 1 on April 20, Draft 2 on April 27, Final Presentation on May 4), what to submit, and links out to interactive handouts for each of the three options: Folk Song, Blues Song, or Popular Song.
For the full syllabus, assignment schedule, and all course readings, please refer to Canvas.