MUSC111 Music Theory I

Department of The Arts: Music

  1. Course Number and Title

    MUSC111 Music Theory I

  2. Number of Credits

    3 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    2250 minutes

  4. Prerequisites

    By qualifying exam

    Corequisites

    MUSC115 Ear Training I

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    None

  6. Catalog Course Description

    Music Theory I explores elements of diatonic harmony (including triads, chord progressions, cadences, and part-writing principles). This course, intended for music majors, must be taken in conjunction with MUSC115 Ear Training I.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. Course Learning Goals

        2. Students will be able to
        1. analyze and construct diatonic harmonies using techniques of Roman Numeral harmonic analysis, figured bass, and related symbolic nomenclatures; and
        2. define, identify, and construct triads, chord progressions, cadences, and part-writing tasks.

      2. Core Learning Goals


        3. This course is not in the Core.

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      1. Define, identify, and construct major and minor scales, intervals and diatonic triads.
      2. Define, identify, and construct major and minor key signatures.
      3. Define and analyze traditional four-part chorale style writing with regard to proper voice leading, vocal range, doubling, harmonizing and creating a soprano melody, etc.
      4. Demonstrate applied part-writing skills.
      5. Analyze and apply contrapuntal composition techniques.
      6. Define, identify, and construct simple diatonic progressions in all major/minor keys pursuant to Roman numeral harmonic analysis and figured bass techniques and nomenclatures.
      7. Define and identify, and construct authentic, half, deceptive, and plagal cadences.
      8. Employ cadential six-four and 1st inversion chords in a homophonic setting.

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

      1. Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals

        2. Course-specific content will be assessed via homework assignments (workbook and instructor-generated), quizzes, and exams. A departmentally-generated final comprehensive examination will be administered to assess all subject matter components that are detailed in the Learning Goals for this course.

      2. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals


        3. This course is not in the Core.

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      A departmentally selected textbook and workbook are required for this course. (See course format.)

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    Teaching methods employed may include, but are not limited to, specific topics, projects, assignments, approaches, time frames, A-V, etc.

    Lecture
    In-class drill/practice tasks
    Computer-based drill
    Demonstration and live performance
    Reading assignments from textbooks
    Homework assignments (workbook and instructor-generated)
    Score reading and analysis
    Quizzes and exams

Review/Approval Date - 4/08