Kishwaukee College Syllabus

Fall, 2010

Music Theory I
MUS 101
3 credits
M, W, F 11:00AM – 11:50AM
Aug 23, 2010 – Dec 17, 2010
Room A-202

Instructor: Tsai-yun Huang

E-mail: thuang@kishwaukeecollege.edu
Office A 205
Office Hours: By Appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:This is the first course in a four-semester theory curriculum designed

for music majors or minors and covers applications of fundamental music rudiments such as; meter,
scales, and keys, intervals and chords. These tools will be used for both composition and analysis.
Recommended for music majors, or those who have a strong interest in music. Three hours lecture a
week.

COURSE OBJECTIVE:
1. Students will gain basic music knowledge such as elements of pitch and rhythm
2. Students will learn 4 voice part writing
3. Students will analyze basic harmonies
4. Students will identify musical forms
5. Students will have basic ear training

RECOMMENDED TEXT AND MATERIALS:

Harder, Paul, Greg Steinke. Basic Materials in Music Theory: A Programmed Course, 12th
Edition. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2010.
Students must bring manuscript paper. You can download blank music sheets here:
http://www.blanksheetmusic.net/
Check out the course blog, useful links and tools, as well as information about exams will be
posted there:
http://mus101musictheory.blogspot.com/

ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Only two excused absences are allowed and must be approved prior to
class.

MAKE UP POLICY:
Tests will only be made up if an University approved absence is provided before the absence.
GRADES:
Attendance 15%
2 Exams 20% (10% each)
Homework 20%
Midterm 20%
Final Exam 25%

Please check KishSOS, My Student Info, under Academic Profile, Grades, for grade
reports.

TENTATIVE SEMESTER SCHEDULE:

Week 1 August 23: Time and Sound, Notation
August 25: Rhythm
August 27: (continued)
Week 2 August 30: Keys, Scales, modes
September 1: (continued)
September 3: (continued)
Week 3 September 6: Labor Day Holiday – no classes
September 8: Intervals
September 10: (continued)
Week 4 September 13: (continued)
September 15: Exam 1
September 17: Chords, Basic Analysis
Week 5 September 20: (continued)
September 22: (continued)
September 24: Part Writing
Week 6 September 27: (continued)
September 29: (continued)
October 1: Harmonizing Melodies
Week 7 October 4: Structure, Cadence
October 6: (continued)
October 8: (continued)
Week 8 October 11: Figured Bass
October 13: (continued)
October 15: Fall-Midterm Break – no classes
Week 9 October 18: (continued)
October 20: MIDTERM
October 22: Basic Dictation
Week 10 October 25: (continued)
October 27: (continued)
October 29: (continued)
Week 11 November 1: Forms
November 3: (continued)
November 5: (continued)
Week 12 November 8: Basic Dictation
 November 10: (continued)
November 12: (continued)
Week 13 November 15: Exam 2
November 17: Analysis
November 19: (continued)
Week 14 November 22: (continued)
November 24: Thanksgiving Break – no classes
November 26: Thanksgiving Break – no classes
Week 15 November 29: Basic Dictation
December 1: (continued)
December 3: (continued)
Week 16 December 6: (continued)
December 8: (continued)
December 10: Review and additional materials
Week 17 December 13: Finals week
December 15: FINAL EXAM (10am-11:50am)

IMPORTANT DATES
September 15: Exam 1
October 20: MIDTERM
November 15: Exam 2
December 15: FINAL EXAM
COURSE EXIT REQUIREMENTS
Grade of “C” is required to advance in course sequence.

WITHDRAUAL POLICY
A “W” will not be given as final grade. The student is responsible for
officially withdrawing from the class according to procedures described in the
college catalog. Any student that does not officially withdraw from the class will
receive a letter grade. The last date for withdrawal for this course can be found at
“MY CLASS SCHEDULE” on KishSOS.

INCOMPLETE GRADE POLICY

All course requirements must be completed by the end date for the course.
If there are extenuating circumstances which merit granting a student more time
to finish course requirements, an incomplete grade (“I”) may be given. To receive
an incomplete, an incomplete Incomplete Grade Contract Form must be
completed and approved. If the requirements are not completed the “I” may
revert to an “F”.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSFER DEGREE STUDENTS
As part of the assessment program, students intending to graduate with an
A.A., A.E.S, A.F.A., or A.S. Are required to submit a Degree Portfolio. Information on
the degree portfolio can be found at www.kishwaukeecollege.edu/portfolio.

COPYRIGHT
As a Kishwaukee College Student, you may have software made available to
you by the college for course use. Please understand that copyright law prohibits
copying these materials. Violation of copyright laws can lead to prosecution for a
criminal offense.

CONTENTS OF THIS SYLLABUS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE