PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MASTER SYLLABUS
MUSIC THEORY I 
MUS 1110
Class Hours: 3.0   Credit Hours: 3.0  
Laboratory Hours: 0.0   Date Revised: Fall 00  
       
Catalog Course Description:    
  Materials of music including basic elements through triads and seventh chords and modulation. Exercises in writing and analysis of music with emphasis on common practice period music.
Entry Level Standards:    
   College-level math, reading, and writing skills are required.  Each student should have a performing area (voice, piano, or instrument) and possess a keen desire to study music. 
Prerequisites:    
   None
Corequisite:    
 MUS 1300
Textbook(s) and Other Reference Materials Basic to the Course:  
   Benward, White. Music In Theory and Practice. Volume 1, most recent edition.
 Benward, White. Music In Theory and Practice Workbook. Volume 1, most recent edition.
I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:    
  Week  Topic
  1 Review notation
  2 Review Rhythm
  3 Review scales and key signatures 
  4 Review minor scales and intervals 
  5 Triads and cadences
  6 Continue triads and cadences
  7 Review and evaluation; Midterm exam
  8 Melody
  9 Melodic construction (phrase/period structure)
  10 Continue melodic construction
  11 Voice leading
  12 Continue triads and cadences
  13 Continue triads and cadences
  14 Functional tonality
  15 Continue functional tonality
  16 Final exam
II. Course Objectives*:    
  A. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of common practice period  harmonic practices through seventh chords. III.1, III.2
  B. Evidence an understanding of  non-chord tones and characteristics of melody. III.1, III.2
  C. Acquire and utilize knowledge sufficient to identify and notate simple melodic, rhythmic and harmonic models and perform them at the keyboard. III.1, III.2
*Roman numerals after course objectives reference goals of the University Parallel Program.
III. Instructional Processes*:     
Students will:      
  1. Develop the ability to recognize melodic and harmonic elements in a piece of music of the common practice period.  Communication Outcome, Personal Development Outcome, Transitional Strategy
  2. Participate in structured class activities requiring the completion of four voice partwriting examples using figured bass symbols and proper voice leading techniques. Communication Outcome, Active Learning Strategy, Problem Solving and Decision Making Outcome
  3. Develop the ability to identify chords by Roman numeral and inversion. Communication Outcome
  4. Participate in listening activities in which they interpret the melodic structure of a piece of music. Communication Outcome, Active Learning Strategy
*Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference Pellissippi State's goals for strengthening general education knowledge and skills, connecting coursework to experiences beyond the classroom, and encouraging students to take active and responsible roles in the educational process.
IV. Expectations for Student Performance*: 
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Recognize at sight and be able to notate chords in a key.  A, C
2. Construct chords to harmonize a melody.  A, C
3. Identify chords by Roman Numeral and inversion numbers.  A, B, C
4. Complete partwriting examples using four-part partwriting rules and figured bass, utilizing proper voice leading techniques.  A, B, C
5.  Identify and write a variety of non-chord tones. A, B, C
6. Interpret the melodic structure of a piece of music of the common practice period, including phrase structure, cadence patterns and harmonic rhythm. A, B, C
7.  Demonstrate an understanding of the functions of chords in a piece of music. A, B, C
*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.
V. Evaluation:
A. Testing Procedures: 
1. Students will be given 4 objective cumulative tests during the semester for a total of 30% of the grade.
2. Students will be given a number of quizzes, each counting 50 points, (25% of grade) which will cover concepts currently being studied.
3. Students will be given a comprehensive objective cumulative final exam which will constitute 25% of the grade.
B. Laboratory Expectations:
 N/A
C. Field Work:
 N/A
D. Other Evaluation Methods: 
1. Students will be required to provide a complete analysis (harmonic and melodic) of a piece of music from the common practice period which will constitute 5% of the grade.
2. Students are required to attend class.  Attendance will count 5 % of the grade.
VI. Policies:
Attendance Policy:
REQUIRED!  Roll will be taken.  Excused absences will be at the discretion of the  instructor.  Students are responsible for work missed due to absence.  Pellissippi State Technical Community College expects students to attend all scheduled instructional activities. As a minimum, students in all courses must be present for at least 75 percent of their scheduled class and laboratory meetings in order to receive credit for the course. Individual departments/programs/disciplines, with the approval of the vice president of Academic and Student Affairs, may have requirements that are more stringent.