Musical Theatre History Lecture 1 (MTH.

101) Course Outline

Course Duration: 33 Hours Passing Mark: 50%

Course Description
This course explores the evolution of musicals from the early 20th century to today's leading writers.
We will listen to excerpts and discuss structure, musical styles and historical context and idioms. The
course provides an overview of the musical theatre repertoire. Some of the composers/lyricists covered
include: George & Ira Gershwin, Kern/Hammerstein, Berlin, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Porter, Lerner &
Loewe, Loesser, Bernstein, Kander & Ebb, Sondheim, Lloyd Webber and important composers/lyricists
of Musical Theatre today. Students must obtain a minimum overall mark of 50% in this course.
Textbooks/Materials: Listen to the recordings of: Crazy for You, Showboat, Oklahoma, Guys & Dolls, West
Side Story, Cabaret, A Chorus Line, Company, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked.

Objectives
Knowledge (the key elements that a students is expected to know upon completion of subject)
1. History of Musical Theatre
-Basic knowledge of the development of the art form from early 20th Century to the present.
-Basic knowledge of innovative or landmark musicals in repertoire.
2. Focus on composers, lyricists, choreographers and directors
-Basic knowledge of the style and works of the most important authors of musical theatre.
Skill (the key behaviours that a student is expected to be able to perform upon completion of subject)
1. Identification of Musical Styles
-Listening recognition - being able to identify various composers and their styles from listening to
recordings and performances.
2. Analysis of Repertoire
-Determining repertoire suitability to self in making career choices
-Being able to analyze a song for musical structure, dramatic arc and understand a song's importance
within the storyline of the entire musical.

Grading Breakdown:
Assignment: 35% (Rep List Assignment-10% /Song analysis-10%/ Research Project-15%)
Exam: 45% (Quizzes (2)-20% / Final-25%)
Participation: 10%
Attendance: 10%

Other Requirements:
Students must receive a 70% overall average during the term to progress to the next term.
If you have unanswered questions please see the instructor. It is your responsibility to seek out
information regarding your academic standing.

Please refer to the RCPA “Student Handbook” for course specifics regarding: Coursework and Grading,
Attendance Policy and Food Drink.

Please refer to the RCPA “The Essentials” Manual for course specifics regarding: Books, Preparation and
Dress Code.

Additional Notes:
The Metro Reference Library can provide you with source material for this course. The “Ref” contains
musical recordings, scores and reference books. Most material must be used in the library (some scores
can be checked out) and it is recommended that you make an appointment with Music Listening
Services to listen to recordings (appointments are for one hour at a time). Stanley Green’s The World of
Musical Comedy is an excellent resource for the content of this course.
You will be emailed course readings prior to class. Reading them, looking up information required
to understand them, and reading/listening to the shows therein is required. It is not acceptable to
come to class without moderate understanding of the subjects covered in the reading.