Course Syllabus

MUSC 2B  Music Theory 2

Spring 2020

Tuesday/Thursday 8:00am – 9:15am; Forsyth Hall, room 115

 

Dr. Mark Anderman

Office: Forsyth Hall, room 141

Phone: (707) 527-4330 (voice mail)

Office Hours: M 11:00am – 1:00pm; T–Th 11:00am – 12:00pm

Email: manderman@santarosa.edu

 

Course Description

A study of common-practice diatonic harmony and part writing. Topics include: progressions with triads and dominant seventh chords, an introduction to species counterpoint, principles of four-part SATB (soprano/alto/tenor/bass) arranging, non-harmonic tones, melody writing, bass line construction, the use of notation software, and a historical survey of the development of harmony and texture in Western music. (Grade only) Transfer Credit: CSU/UC.

 

Prerequisite:  Completion of MUSC 2A (or MUS 2A)

Recommended Preparation

Concurrent enrollment in MUSC 3B and MUSCP 11B or another appropriate piano course.

Textbooks & Materials

Benward & Saker, Music in Theory and Practice, vol. 1 (9^th or 8^th ed.)

Music staff paper

 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Write four-part (soprano/alto/tenor/bass) arrangements with diatonic chords in the common-practice style.
2. Analyze and explain the harmonic, melodic, and contrapuntal devices found in common-practice music.
3. Relate common-practice composition techniques to their historical context.

 

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Write four-part (SATB) arrangements using diatonic triads in root position and inversion.
2. Construct and utilize dominant seventh chords in root position.
3. Compose a soprano melody and realize a complete four-part arrangement from a given figured bass line.
4. Harmonize a given melody by composing a bass line and creating a complete four-part arrangement.
5. Identify and utilize non-harmonic tones.
6. Demonstrate and utilize the principles of species counterpoint.
7. Analyze and explain the harmonic and melodic devices found in common-practice music.
8. Compare and contrast the harmonic and textural characteristics of music from various styles and historical eras.
9. Use industry-standard software for music notation, editing, and publication.

 

Attendance and Grading Policy

Individual assignments and tests will be graded on a points system. See Guidelines for Assignment Submission below for details on submitting homework.

1. Points will be deducted for each unexcused absence or tardy.
2. If you are tardy, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure you are not marked absent.
3. If you wish to drop this course, be aware that it is YOUR responsibility to do so officially at the Registration Office or online.
4. Tests must be taken at the time they are given. Missed tests can only be made up with an excused absence (doctor’s note, etc.) and must be made up immediately. Missed tests with an unexcused absence can only be taken for half credit. If you miss the final exam, you will receive a grade of "F" in the course.

 

The final course grade will fall approximately along these guidelines:

Homework assignments	25%
Midterm exam	25%
Final exam	35%
Final quartet project	5%
Attendance & participation	10%
Total	100%

 

Incomplete Grades

In some extreme circumstances, arrangements can be made for an incomplete (I) grade. Incomplete grades are appropriate when a student has been making satisfactory progress in a course, but is unable to finish for reasons beyond his or her control. Consult the District Grading Policy for more information.

 

Music Notation Software

Writing music is an important component of this course, and in today’s world nearly all music publishing is done on a computer. Certain assignments in MUSC 2B will need to be submitted in computer-published notation. If you do not own a computer, there are computers available for student use in the Music Library. You can also download MuseScore for free at: https://musescore.org/en

 

Guidelines for Assignment Submission

1. Turn in assignments on time. Late work will ONLY be accepted (for partial credit) if it is turned in within one week of the due date.

2. Please make sure your name (first and last) is printed legibly on each page.

1. Please use pencil and write legibly. Confusing notation will be graded down.
2. Please turn in all pages of an assignment together. (For example, do not turn in only one page of a three-page assignment.)
3. When submitting workbook assignments, please remove the perforated edges from the pages. All non-workbook assignments are to be done on clean staff paper.
4. Assignments may be redone for additional credit provided they are turned in before the next test. Redone assignments should be submitted on a separate piece of staff paper (or clean photocopy of the original assignment) with “redo” clearly marked at the top and stapled to the original graded paper.
5. Due to the high volume of work that needs to be processed each week, I typically do not accept “extra credit” assignments.
6. Assignments can be left in my mailbox in the Music Office if you are unable to turn them in during class.

 

Classroom Decorum

Students are expected to show respect and courtesy for the instructor and fellow students at all times. Please come to class on time—excessive tardiness is disruptive. Please do not bring food to class. Keep drinks covered and away from pianos or other instruments. Please turn all cell phones, laptops, iPods, and other electronic devices to silent mode.

 

Emergency Evacuation Plan

In the event of an emergency during class that requires evacuation of the building, please leave the classroom immediately, but calmly. Our class will meet on the Forsyth north lawn to ensure that everyone got out of the building safely and to receive further instructions. If you are a student with a disability who may need assistance in an evacuation, please see me during my office hours as soon as possible so that we can discuss an evacuation plan.

 

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

If you need disability-related accommodations for this course, such as a note taker, test-taking services, special furniture, use of service animal, etc., please provide the Authorization for Academic Accommodations (AAA letter) from the Disability Resources Department (DRD) to me as soon as possible. You may also speak with me privately during office hours about your accommodations. If you have not received authorization from DRD, it is recommended that you contact them directly. (DRD is located in Analy Village on the Santa Rosa campus, and in Petaluma Village on the Petaluma Campus.)