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The courses listed herein have been approved by the faculty as authorized by the Board of Trustees. Prerequisites (if any) and the General Education Requirement(s) which each course fulfills (if any) are noted following each course description.
4.00 credit hours An overview of the music education profession, including (1) examination of the structures that impact teaching and learning in schools; (2) the impact of curricular learning standards on teaching, learning and decision making; and (3) the history, philosophies, and current role of music education in the American public school system. Emphases on the Danielson Framework for Teaching, National Core Arts Standards, and expectations of the North Central College Music Department and Teacher Education Program is introduced in this gateway course. Students are required to provide proof of health insurance. Registration for this course at least 15 days prior to the first day of the term is strongly encouraged as additional background checks may be required; an additional fee could be incurred based on district requirements for background checks. Background check required. Tuberculosis test required.
2.00 credit hours An applied study of important technical and pedagogical concepts concerning the flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon. Assessments require the student to demonstrate (1) basic playing proficiency on each instrument; (2) teaching proficiency through teaching exhibitions; and (3) a pedagogical understanding of the technical requirements and characteristics of each instrument.
2.00 credit hours An applied study of important technical and pedagogical concepts concerning the trumpet, horn, trombone, and euphonium/tuba. Assessments require the student to demonstrate (1) basic playing proficiency on each instrument; (2) teaching proficiency through teaching exhibitions; and (3) a pedagogical understanding of the technical requirements and characteristics of each instrument.
2.00 credit hours An applied study of important technical and pedagogical concepts concerning the violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Assessments require the student to demonstrate (1) basic playing proficiency on each instrument; (2) teaching proficiency through teaching exhibitions; and (3) a pedagogical understanding of the technical requirements and characteristics of each instrument.
2.00 credit hours An applied study of important technical and pedagogical concepts concerning mallet percussion, drums, and accessory percussion. Assessments require the student to demonstrate (1) basic playing proficiency on each instrument; (2) teaching proficiency through teaching exhibitions; and (3) a pedagogical understanding of the technical requirements and characteristics of each instrument.
4.00 credit hours A study of curriculum, teaching methods, pedagogy, and class design for general music classes at the elementary and middle school level. An experiential, practical approach which includes lecture, reading, writing, and student-led collaborative learning activities. Assessments require the student to demonstrate: (1) theoretical understanding and content knowledge through written, oral, and teaching assignments; and (2) critical thinking and problem-solving skills through self- and peer-evaluation. Classroom environment, diversity and social justice as related to the general music experience is also covered.
4.00 credit hours A study of curriculum, teaching methods, pedagogy, and class design for performance music classes at the middle and high school level. An experiential, practical approach which includes lecture, reading, writing, and student-led collaborative learning activities. Assessments require the student to demonstrate: (1) theoretical understanding and content knowledge through written, oral, and teaching assignments; and (2) critical thinking and problem-solving skills through self- and peer-evaluation. Classroom environment, diversity and social justice as related to the performance class experience is also covered.
4.00 credit hours The advanced study of conducting techniques, principles, and practices for conductors of instrumental ensembles. Includes rehearsal design, classroom management, leadership and administration of instrumental music programs. An experiential, practical approach which includes lecture, reading, writing, and student-led collaborative learning activities. Assessments require the student to demonstrate an advanced level of: (1) theoretical understanding and content knowledge through written, oral, and conducting assignments; and (2) critical thinking and problem-solving skills through self- and peer-evaluation. Classroom environment, diversity and social justice as related to the instrumental experience is also covered.
4.00 credit hours The advanced study of conducting techniques, principles, and practices for conductors of choral ensembles. Includes rehearsal design, classroom management, leadership, and administration of choral music programs. An experiential, practical approach which includes lecture, reading, writing, and student-led collaborative learning activities. Assessments require the student to demonstrate an advanced level of: (1) theoretical understanding and content knowledge through written, oral, and conducting assignments; and (2) critical thinking and problem-solving skills through self- and peer-evaluation. Classroom environment, diversity and social justice as related to the choral experience is also covered.
0.00-0.50 credit hours Cardinal Choir is dedicated to the study and performance of a wide variety of choral repertoire and to the development of foundational choral and vocal skills such as sight-reading, tone color, choral diction, blend and balance. Each term includes at least one public performance. No audition required but a voice placement will take place before the start of rehearsals.
0.00-0.50 credit hours The North Central Concert Choir performs a varied repertoire in three formal college concerts as well as occasional off-campus appearances and tours. Membership is by audition and open to all North Central students with instructor consent.
0.00-0.50 credit hours The study and performance of choral music for women’s voices. Each term culminates in one or more public performances; tours and special events are also scheduled. Audition is required.
0.00-0.50 credit hours The Naperville Chorus is dedicated to the performance of large-scale musical works, with orchestral accompaniment and professional soloists. Membership is open without audition to anyone with previous singing experience.
0.00-0.50 credit hours The study and performance of choral music for chamber choir. Each term culminates in one or more public performances; tours and special events are also scheduled. Audition is required.
1.00 credit hours A basic study of performance techniques for the singer of musical theatre and opera, designed to give students experience in singing and acting through study and active participation in works of the musical stage. This course is repeatable.
0.00-0.50 credit hours Operating in the Fall Semester as the “Cardinal Marching Band/Color Guard” and Spring Semester as the “Cardinal Basketball Band/Winter Guard”, these ensembles provide spirit and atmosphere at NCC athletic events. Fall Semester involves participation in summer band camp, twice per week rehearsals and performances at all home football games and select campus events. The end of Fall Semester and the beginning of Spring Semester involves once-per-week rehearsals and performances at home basketball games. Students may participate in one semester or both. Ability to commit to all performances is absolutely mandatory.
0.00-0.50 credit hours The Symphony Band performs a wide variety of music while focusing on the development of fundamental instrumental and ensemble skills. The Symphony Band performs on campus at least once a term. No audition is required; however, auditions are held for placement within the sections and for section leaders.
Prerequisite(s): Ability to play standard band instrument.
0.00-0.50 credit hours The Dupage Symphony Orchestra in residence at Wentz Concert Hall and is a community ensemble involving members of the surrounding community, students, and professionals.
Prerequisite(s): Ability to play standard band instrument.
0.00-0.50 credit hours Concert Winds performs a wide variety of music, including new music and works from the standard repertoire. Concert performances are scheduled both on and off campus. Auditions are held for placement in the ensemble.
Prerequisite(s): Ability to play standard band instrument.
0.00-0.50 credit hours The study and performance of string orchestra and chamber orchestra literature. Each term culminates in one or more public performances.
0.00-0.50 credit hours Large jazz ensemble performing classic and contemporary jazz arrangements. Performs a minimum of three concerts per year on campus.
0.00-0.50 credit hours Faculty-led jazz chamber ensemble performing classic and contemporary jazz repertoire set for rhythm section, horns and/or vocalists. Performs a minimum of three concerts per year on campus.
0.00-0.50 credit hours Vocal ensemble of 8-12 voices performing classic and contemporary jazz arrangements. Performs a minimum of three concerts per year on campus.
0.00-0.50 credit hours A variety of instrumental and vocal chamber
ensembles, such as brass and woodwind quartets,
string quartet or acappella groups. Changes
annually.
4.00 credit hours An introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system and human brain. Topics include brain anatomy, function of nerve cells, neural communication, neuroscience methods, sensory and motor behavior, systems, and sleep. Gateway course. Laboratory required.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Science. iCon(s): Being Human.
4.00 credit hours An examination of the manner in which genetic, environmental, biochemical, and physiological factors contribute to the neurological basis of behavior. Special attention is given to neural contributions of reproduction, psychopharmacology, fear, learning, stress, ingestion, communication, memory, and psychiatric disorders.
4.00 credit hours An examination of the dynamic relationship between how drugs act on the brain and behavior. Topics include the properties of drug action, differentiating drug use and drug dependence, physical versus psychological dependence, as well as the legal and social implications of drug use. A range of legal and illegal drugs such as stimulants, depressants, alcohol, opiates, hallucinogens, and pharmaceutical drugs are investigated.
Prerequisite(s): NEUR 100 or PSYC 100. Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Social Science, U.S. Power Structures. iCon(s): Being Human, Examining Health.
1.00-6.00 credit hours Students work in collaboration with faculty on ongoing research. Activities vary according to project needs and student background, but may include collection or creation of materials, recruitment of participants, data collection, data coding and entry, literature review, statistical analysis, poster or oral presentation preparation. This course is graded pass/no pass. May be taken more than once for up to six credit hours.
0.00-12.00 credit hours Valuable professional experiences supplement classroom instruction and allow students to apply neuroscience concepts to broader social issues and system. Students explore career options within neuroscience and critically reflect on the experience in a structured manner. Course work includes required hours in the field and written assignments.
4.00 credit hours Students investigate the neuronal underpinnings of behavior in organisms ranging from invertebrates to humans. Material focuses on the relationship between nervous system function and the resulting behavioral output in neurological and developmental disorders. These disorders are analyzed through various lenses incorporating primary literature with classical and cutting edge neuroscience models and techniques. This course requires an intensive, vertebrate-based laboratory.
1.00 credit hours Advances in neuroscience have brought about several ethical questions surrounding the utilization and implementation of techniques and discoveries in vertebrates and humans. Accompanying the NEUR 300 laboratory, students are educated and trained in the ethical use of vertebrates in research. An examination of the ethical boundaries when utilizing novel and experimental techniques to treat developmental and neurological disorders will supplement NEUR 300 course material.