Music Theory IV

Course Number:             MUSC 2613 Music Theory IV

Section Number:           101

Location:                        FA C117 A

Class Time:                    9:00-9:50 AM

Instructor:                     Dr. Tim Justus                            397-4502

                                       timothy.justus@mwsu.edu           FA C117F

Course Description:

MUSC 1613, Music Theory IV is a continuation of Music Theory III, and constitutes a study of the fundamentals of pitch, rhythm, melody, harmony and form in the context of the expanded tonal music of the late 19^th centuries, and rhythmic, harmonic and melodic elements of the 20^th century. Activities include practice in writing this style, and analysis of selected pieces.

Course Objectives:

Continued understanding of the structure of the music of the 19^th century as related to melody, chord progression, and voice leading, and practice in writing short exercises in the style, and an introduction to the music of the 20^th century, and rhythmic, harmonic and melodic techniques and resources.

Textbook:

Kostka, Stefan and Dorothy Payne. Tonal Harmony: With an Introduction to Twentieth Century Music, 6^th Edition. McGraw Hill).

Other Materials Needed:

Manuscript paper, soft lead pencils, ruler or straight edge, and other music manuscript preparation materials. (All work will be done in pencil. Specific assignments may be accomplished on Finale®.) 

Course Evaluation:

          Instruction:

Instruction will take place in the form of lecture, analysis, in-class performance and exercise, assigned textbook reading assignments, out of class work, handouts, discussion and computer assisted learning and composition.

Grading Scale

90-100-A

80-89-B

70-79-C

60-69-D

59- F

30%   Class work, homework, class participation

There will be fifteen (15) homework assignments. Each will be graded on a 100 point scale.

30%   Quizzes

Quizzes may be announced or unannounced. Quizzes may not be           made up.

30%   Exams

There will be five (5) exams given over significant topics graded on a 100 point scale. At least a week notice will be given prior to exams. Missing an exam is highly discouraged. Make up exams are given at the convenience of the instructor. All exams will be taken in pencil. The final exam will not be weighted any heavier than other exams, but will however be cumulative, due to the nature of the course content. The final exam will be given during the final exam period. The final exam may not be made up. There will be no exceptions. Travel or flight plans, work, concerts, lessons etc., are not valid excuses.

10%   Projects

There will be five (5) short composition projects graded on a 100 point scale.

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.

Attendance:

Attendance is the one of the most important aspects of the course. Understanding the concepts requires practice and participation in all class activities. Irregular attendance will result in loss of work, missed tests, missed quizzes, etc. Attendance will count 10% of the total grade. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of every class. 

Absences will have consequences.

• Individuals missing 10% of class may be denied the option for makeup exams or homework, even for missing a test with an excuse.
• In borderline grade cases, attendance will be considered a factor, for or against.

Excused absences include:

• Attendance at authorized off-campus activities or functions.
• Confinement to a university or other health facility when a written excuse is provided.
• Absences incurred due to illness, documented by a doctor’s excuse. Exams and class-work missed during a period of excused absence must be made up the week following the absence.

Special Needs:

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.

Privacy Statement:

Federal privacy law prohibits the instructor from releasing information about students to certain parties outside of the university without the signed consent of the student. Thus, in almost all cases the professor will not discuss students’ academic progress or other matters with their parents. Please do not have them call. Regardless of these important legal considerations, the professors’ general policy is to communicate with the students, not their parents, even when a student has signed a consent form. College students are adults and are expected to behave accordingly.

Academic Dishonesty:

Academic dishonesty including plagiarism and giving or receiving unauthorized assistance is prohibited. Please review the University Honor Code. Any offense is reported to the MSU and the MSU Department of Education.

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.