Introduction to Music Theory

Course Description

Intensive study of topics relevant to a wide range of musical traditions, including musical parameters (pitch, duration, timbre, loudness, texture), tuning systems, basic acoustics, notation types, and instrument families. Prerequisite: Music major or music minor; Corequisite: MUS 100.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Explain the physical and perceptual aspects of various musical parameters, such as pitch and rhythm.

  • Apply various analytical tools to evaluate musical sounds and assess the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches.

  • Utilize various physical and digital tools to aid in the analysis and creation of musical sounds.

  • Create original compositions that integrate common musical patterns in stylistically appropriate ways.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure

Percentage/Points

Assignments

30%

Quizzes

30%

Final Project

20%

Engagement

10%

Self-Reflections

10%

Quizzes Breakdown

Activity/Performance Measure

Percentage/Points

Four in-class quizzes

20%

Ten weekly online reading quizzes

2%

Four online fluency quizzes

8%

Engagement Breakdown

Activity/Performance Measure

Percentage/Points

General Attendance

4%

Scheduled Participation

4%

Unscheduled Participation

2%

Self-Reflections Breakdown

Activity/Performance Measure

Percentage/Points

Five self-reflections

10%

Grading Scale

Percentage

Letter Grade

94%–100%

A

90%–93%

A-

87%–89%

B+

84%–86%

B

80%–83%

B-

77%–79%

C+

74%–76%

C

70%–73%

C-

68%–69%

D+

66%–67%

D

65%

D-

<65%

F

Attendance/Participation:

Students receive 4 absences and 4 tardies, excused for any reason without notice. Further absences may be requested and considered on a case-by-case basis.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

No course materials are required.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.