BASIC MUSIC

Course Details

Course Number: MUSC 1503  Section Number: 101

Fall 2011

Location: Fain Fine Arts Center

Classroom Number: C117Choir

Days & Times:

MWF 9:00-9:50

Course Attachments

Textbooks

Music Theory  ISBN: 0-06-467168-2
MSU Faculty Member
Gary Lewis   
view Profile »

Course Objectives

This class is an introductory course designed to equip music majors with essential fundamentals in music theory.  It is also open to non-music majors who seek an introductory course in music theory for their fine arts credit as space permits.


Course Expectations

 learning goals and the "Course Requirements"  for this course are:

   1. Identify, read and use  notation in treble and bass cleffs with ease; understand basic notational practice, and be familiar with the C cleffs.

     2. Be familiar with basic acoustics and the physical properties of music, including identification of the overtone series to the 8th partial (7th overtone) using any pitch as the fundamental.

     3. Construct all major and minor scales and be able to identify and write intervals

      4. Identify and write the four qualities of a triad in all inversions

   5. Identify and be able to write the 4 qualities of a triad in all inversions. Aurally identify the four qualities of a triad in root position.

   6. Understand and identify simple and compound meter, including the correct use of beams within subdivisions and be able to provide the meter and bar lines to a given rhythmic pattern.    

Approximately 10 exams will be given during the course of the semester along with a final exam. Grading will be based on these exams, homework (as assigned), class participation, as well as the final exam

Written work at home and on the board as well as in-class demonstrative teaching may be required of all students!

TEXT:  You will be required to write your text and a significant part of the final grade will be based on this project.  Details will be given on the first day of class


Final Exam12/5/2011  8:00 am

Submission Format Policy


Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

"Students are expected to attend all meetings of the classes in which they are enrolled" (Student Handbook, p    ). You will not do well if you miss class and therefore any and all absences are discouraged in this class.

After 9:10, you will be considered tardy; the third time that you are tardy will count as one absence.  After 9:30, you will be considered absent.  After exceeding 6 absences (two weeks of class), you will have earned an F in the course.  Absences due to documented illness or university business will be considered excused.  Use of an electronic device, including cell phones, or any disruptive behavior during class will count as an absence.  If you have two or less absences over the entire semester, your lowest exam grade will be dropped.


Other Policies

Academic Dishonesty:

No personal electronic devices may be used during class.  Set your cell phones on silent or vibrate!.

A student may be dropped from the course or the university for submitting any work for a grade which is not the student's own as well as for persistent class disruption or for the use or view of personal electronic devices during an exam.

Privacy Statement:

Federal law prohibits faculty from releasing or discussing academic information to anyone except university academic or administrative offices.  In this class, no information regarding your grades, exams, or confidential matters will be released to friends or family members without your written consent.  Thus, friends may not pick up your exam in your absence.  Absences are not personal or confidential matters and as public information are excluded from privacy laws.

Special Needs Statement:

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information that needs sharing, or if you need special accommodations in the event that the building must be evacuated, please register with Disability Support Services and make an appointment with the professor as soon as possible.

Academic Changes:

The instructor reserves the right to adjust or to cancel assignments as the semester progresses.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.