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Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for MUS 111 Spring 2024

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Course Number:
MUS 111
Course Title:
Music Theory I (Part One)
Credit Hours:
3
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Covers music theory as exhibited in the works of the great composers of the 17th and 18th centuries. Includes notation, pitch, meter, tonality, modality, harmony and diatonic function. Analyzes basic music focusing on harmonic function and figured bass notation. Includes written composition. Part one of three-term sequence. MUS 111C recommended for music transfer students. Prerequisites: MUS 110, and (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description


 

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  1. Exhibit knowledge of the basic elements of music such as meter, pitch, key, intervals, scales, and triads through application at the piano keyboard and/or with music notation.
  2. Analyze the harmonic content of basic diatonic tonal music from the common-practice period using the tools and methods of music theory.
  3. Compose a basic diatonic musical work by applying the techniques and practices of the common-practice period.

Integrative Learning

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to reflect on one’s work or competencies to make connections between course content and lived experience.

General education philosophy statement

The study of music provides the opportunity to experience the art form both as listeners and as creators. It is an expression of culture developed from rich historical traditions, each with unique aesthetic and artistic values reflected through organized sound.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

The instructor should make the criteria for assigning a course grade and for evaluating student progress clear at the beginning of the term. The individual instructor will determine the methods of assessment. Assessment methods may include:

Qualitative examinations
Quantitative examinations
Homework assignments
Music presentations
Class participation
Composition projects
Small group work/problem solving
Concert reports

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)


    Pitch and its notation
… Clefs
… Intervals
… Diatonic and chromatic half steps
… Solmization (aural recognition)
    
    Rhythm
… Meter
… Borrowed divisions
… Syncopation
… Rhythmic performance
… Notational guidelines
    More on pitch
… The keyboard
… Scales
… Keys and key signatures
… Intervals
    Harmony I
… Triads
… Dominant seventh chords
… Chord inversions
… Chord symbols (sonority)
… Figured bass
    Harmony II
… Diatonic triads in major keys
… Diatonic triads in minor keys
… Functional tonal principles
… Roman numeral function designation
… Dominant-type function
… Predominant function
… Harmonic variants
    Harmony III
… Harmonic cadences
… Nonharmonic tones
… Embellishing tones
… Principles of harmonization
Introduction to music technology
COMPETENCIES/SKILLS
The following skills are expected to be achieved to successfully meet the minimum requirement ("C" or "Pass") of the course.

Examine an example of diatonic music and identify key.
Aurally and visually identify meter for basic musical works.
Provide a detailed harmonic analysis of a diatonic musical work using roman numeral function and sonority (chord symbol).
Notate and perform a basic musical idea (melody).
Apply functional principles and harmonize preexisting melody.
    
Identify, create and utilize common harmonic cadences.
    
Identify, categorize and label nonharmonic tones.