Course Syllabus

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MUSC 2C Music Theory 3

Fall 2025

Monday/Wednesday 8:00–9:15AM
Forsyth Hall room 189

Dr. Mark Anderman

Email:  manderman@santarosa.edu
Phone: (707) 527-4330
Office Hours: In-person M T Th 11am–12pm; Online T 4–5pm, W 11am–12pm

Catalog Description

An introduction to chromatic harmony through writing and analysis. Topics include: dominant and non-dominant seventh chords, secondary (applied) dominant and leading-tone chords, tonicization, modulation, binary and ternary forms, and an overview of larger forms. (Grade only) Transfer Credit: CSU/UC.

Prerequisite:  Completion of MUSC 2B

Recommended Preparation:  Concurrent enrollment in MUSC 3C; AND MUSCP 11C or another appropriate piano course.

Textbooks & Materials

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Write four-part (soprano/alto/tenor/bass) arrangements with dominant and non-dominant seventh chords, secondary (applied) chords, tonicization, and modulation in the common-practice style.
  2. Analyze and explain the use of chromaticism, altered chords, tonicization, and modulation found in common-practice music.
  3. Analyze and compose short pieces in binary and ternary form.

Course Objectives

Students will be able to:

  1. Identify, construct, and utilize dominant and non-dominant seventh chords in root position and inversion.
  2. Identify, construct, and utilize secondary (applied) dominant and leading-tone chords.
  3. Analyze and explain tonicization, common (pivot) chord modulation, and other modulation techniques.
  4. Realize a figured bass line into a complete four-part arrangement utilizing these harmonic devices.
  5. Harmonize a given melody in four parts utilizing these harmonic devices.
  6. Analyze, compare, and contrast musical forms including binary, ternary, rounded binary, and other formal designs.

Guidelines for Assignment Submission

Assignments will be submitted online through Canvas. You may scan or take a digital photo of your page(s). Please upload only PDF or JPG files unless the directions say otherwise.

Observe the posted due dates and turn in your work on time. Late work may be accepted for partial credit if turned in within one week of the original due date. (Later submissions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.) 

  • Assignments are graded on a points system. The number of points varies depending on how many problems there are.
  • Please use pencil and write legibly—if I can’t read your writing, I can’t grade it!
  • Please turn in all pages of an assignment together. Incomplete assignments will receive a “0” with a request to re-submit when complete.
  • Assignments may be redone once for credit, provided they are turned in before the next test. They will be graded as a late assignment for reduced points.
  • If a submission contains substantial errors, I may stop grading it and ask for a redo.
  • I typically do not accept “extra credit” assignments due to the high volume of work I need to process each week.

Any work to be graded must be turned in by the last day of the course. I will not accept any homework during final exams week. 

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Statement

The use of any generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools in this course is prohibited. All written music (including writing exercises, compositions, and arrangements) must be your own original work. The use of GenAI tools in this course is considered plagiarism, and any disciplinary actions will fall under SRJC’s Academic Dishonesty policy.

Music Notation Software

In today’s world nearly all music publishing is done on a computer. Certain assignments in MUSC 2C will need to be submitted in computer-published notation. Our class standard is MuseScore Studio, a free open-source program with an impressive set of tools for music notation and publishing. You can download it here: MuseScore Studio

Final Project

The final project for this course will be an original composition that demonstrates understanding and mastery of the core concepts of the course. The final project must be submitted in a computer-published score and is to be played in-class during the last two weeks of the semester, along with an oral presentation about the piece.

Attendance Policy and Course Grades

  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. 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 without an excused absence can only be taken for partial credit. If you miss the final exam, you will receive a grade of "F" in the course.
Final Grade Guidelines
Course Content %
Homework assignments 30%
Chapter exams      20%
Final exam  30%
Final project     10%
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 their control. Consult the District Grading Policy for more information. 

Dropping a Course or Withdrawing from the College

It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw from a course if they are unable to complete it. Students who drop a course or withdraw from the college before the semester deadline will receive a “W” on their transcripts for each course dropped. The drop deadlines are published each semester in the college catalog and on the college website. Failure to drop by this date may result in a failing grade. 

Classroom Decorum

Students are expected to always show respect and courtesy for the instructor and fellow students.

  • Please come to class on time—excessive tardiness is disruptive.
  • Please do not bring food to class. Water in secure travel bottles is OK, but keep it covered and away from pianos or other instruments.
  • Please set cell phones and other devices to silent mode.

Academic Integrity

Academic dishonesty is regarded as any act of deception, benign or malicious in nature, in the completion of any academic exercise. Examples of academic dishonesty include cheating, plagiarism, impersonation, misrepresentation of idea or fact for the purpose of defrauding, use of unauthorized aids or devices, falsifying attendance records, violation of testing protocol, inappropriate course assignment collaboration, and any other acts that are prohibited by the instructor of record. Students suspected of academic dishonesty may be referred to the Dean and/or Vice President of Student Services for disciplinary action.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

If you need disability-related accommodations for this course, 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.

Physical and Mental Health

Should you experience any physical or mental health issues, know that all of us at SRJC care about your well-being. SRJC’s Student Health Services (SHS) has nurse practitioners and mental health therapists available. Confidential sessions are provided via secure Zoom or in-person. Sessions are free for SRJC students taking credit or non-credit classes, and some providers can converse with you in Spanish if you prefer. SHS also has on-site covid rapid testing and vaccinations available also at no cost. To start the process for any type of physical or mental health appointment contact Student Health at 707 527-4445 or email studenthealthservices@santarosa.edu. For more information, consult Student Health Services at shs.santarosa.edu.

 

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due