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CCOG for MUC 102 Spring 2024

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Course Number:
MUC 102
Course Title:
Contemporary Music Theory II
Credit Hours:
3
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Covers music theory as exhibited in contemporary musical styles such as jazz, blues, rock, hip hop, funk, electronic dance music, folk, etc. Includes harmonic function, 12-bar blues, non-chord tones, asymmetrical meter, modes, and applied (secondary dominant-functioning) chords. Includes basic music analysis focusing on diatonic and chromatic harmonies, lead sheet notation, and Roman numerals. Includes written composition. This is the second course in a three-course sequence. Prerequisites: MUC 101 or instructor permission. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Recognize and notate rhythms in asymmetrical (odd) meters.
  • Identify the blues scale, modes, and other collections.
  • Voice and manipulate secondary dominants and seventh chords in root position and in inversion.
  • Aurally recognize phrase structures.
  • Analyze, explain, hear, and generate non-harmonic tones in melodies.
  • Write and provide a score for required compositions.
  • Exhibit more developed musicianship by applying music theory components through musical expression.

Course Activities and Design

Material for the course will be presented in a lecture format but also includes question and answer sessions as well as discussion of recorded musical examples.

  • In-class written and aural exercises
  • Homework assignments (written exercises, analysis, listening)
  • Aural skills training (singing and dictation)
  • Composition projects
  • Brief in-class quizzes (written and aural)
  • Class participation, small group work, and discussion
  • Providing constructive critique and feedback to in-class performances

Outcome Assessment Strategies

  • Participation in class discussion and group activities
  • In-class and homework assignments
  • Exams and quizzes
  • Composition project performances

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  • Roman Numerals, Chord Function
  • Blues Scales and 12-Bar Blues Progressions
  • Phrases, Cadences
  • Non-Harmonic Tones
  • Tuplets
  • Polyrhythms, Polymeter
  • Asymmetrical (Odd) Meter
  • Modes and Other Collections
  • Secondary Dominants
  • Secondary Leading-Tone Chords
  • Final Projects, Final Exam