Please Note: This Class Syllabus is an important step in updating the format of our distance courses. If for any reason the Class Syllabus does not match the print Course Guide or online course information, the Class Syllabus shall be taken as correct. CLASS SYLLABUS COURSE TITLE: Fundamentals of Music COURSE CODE: MUS 101.3 TERM: Summer 2015 COURSE CREDITS: 3 DELIVERY: Online COURSE SECTION: W02 START DATE: June 25, 2015 END DATE: August 14, 2015 Course Description This course serves as an introduction to the basic parameters of music including notation, rhythm, intervals, melody, scales, key signatures, and triads. It also teaches students aural and written comprehension of the above rudiments. Course Objectives Upon successful completion of this course, you should acquire the following: A basic fluency in music literacy including reading and writing musical notation A basic understanding of musical process and structure An ability to apply musical terminology to describe musical process and structure A heightened awareness of musical aesthetics, what goes on in music, and how it affects your hearing of a musical work Course Overview This course serves as a concise introduction to music theory that aims to develop both practical and intellectual fluency with musical skills and concepts. Through weekly assignments,, and ear training, you will develop the ability to hear basic musical processes and will acquire concepts and terminology to help you understand and describe fundamental aspects of both art and popular music. Musical materials used in this course range from Western art music from the baroque period through the twentieth century, popular music repertoire, and music of the non-western world. Course topics include: rhythm and metre, pitch, major and minor scales, intervals, and triads. The curriculum is largely cumulative in nature. Music 101 is intended for individuals wishing to develop their technical and academic knowledge of music including learning to read and write music. This course is designed for individuals with little to no previous training in music or for those wishing to further their understanding of music theory. Although jargon for its own sake will be avoided, there is a standard language used in discussing music, and those terms will be defined and explained. May 14, 2015 jt ck pk ka af
Your Instructor(s) Contact Information Kerry Agnew and Allison Fairbairn Email: music.101@usask.ca Please contact your instructor(s) using your U of S email account. Timely responses to emails are a reasonable expectation for students taking the Music 101 online course. Students should not expect the instructor to be available 24/7; however, a response time of 24 hours will be adhered to from Monday to Friday. If there are any potential disruptions to instructor availability (for example, travel with limited Internet access), students will be kept informed through the course announcements. If you need to speak with your professor, please use email to arrange for a mutually convenient time. You will receive a weekly email update regarding the course. Please be sure to check your University of Saskatchewan email regularly for this important information. Office Hours Most issues are easily resolved by email. In cases where discussion is needed, a phonecall, Skype or FaceTime meeting may be arranged with one of the instructors. Required Resources Readings/Textbooks You are not required to purchase a textbook from the bookstore for this course. All readings for MUS101 will be posted on the course BlackBoard site. Other Required Materials You may find it helpful to download and print or purchase staff paper. Staff paper is available online (and free) from: http://people.virginia.edu/~pdr4h/musicpaper/ http://www.dolmetsch.com/manuscriptpaper.htm Page 2 of 9
Class Schedule Week Module Activities Activity Due Dates June 25-26 June 29- July 3 Module 1 Learning about Music Module 2 Pitch Print and review the course syllabus Read the syllabus & complete the Welcome Quiz (minimum 90% required) Module readings and listening Complete graded July 6-10 Module 3.1 Complete graded July 13-16 July 20-24 July 27-31 August 4-7 August 10-13 Module 3.2 Rhythm Module 4 and 5 Major and Minor Scales and Key Signatures Module 6 Intervals Module 7 Triads Complete graded Review for midterm Midterm July 16 between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Complete graded Complete graded Complete graded Review for Final Review all previous material and complete review Contact instructors if you have questions or concerns Written (invigilated) FINAL EXAM: August 14, 2015 (9:00 a.m.) July 15 July 15 July 15 July 15 August 12 August 12 August 12 August 12 *All activities are due by midnight (SK Time) on the dates provided in bold. Please note, late work will only be accepted on the basis of medical or compassionate reasons. In these cases the instructor must be contacted before the due date. Note: If for any reason the Course Syllabus Reading List does not match the Module Reading List, the Course Syllabus shall be taken as correct. Page 3 of 9
Grading Scheme Online Graded Exercises 30% Midterm Exam 30% Final Exam 40% Total 100% Information on literal descriptors for grading at the University of Saskatchewan can be found at: http://students.usask.ca/current/academics/grades/grading-system.php Please note: There are different literal descriptors for undergraduate and graduate students. More information on the Academic Courses Policy on course delivery, examinations and assessment of student learning can be found at: http://www.usask.ca/university_secretary/council/academiccourses.php The University of Saskatchewan Learning Charter is intended to define aspirations about the learning experience that the University aims to provide, and the roles to be played in realizing these aspirations by students, instructors, and the institution. A copy of the Learning Charter can be found at: http://www.usask.ca/university_secretary/learningcharter.pdf Evaluation Components MUS 101.3 (W sections): Online Graded Exercises Value: 30% of Final Grade Due Date: The first set of graded must be completed prior to the midterm; graded for the second half of the class must be completed prior to the final. In order to pace yourself (and prevent last-minute stress) it is recommended that you complete the module and graded in the week they are assigned. Purpose: To confirm your understanding of concepts covered in each module. The weekly provide an opportunity to become comfortable with the online exam format, which will be used for the midterm exam. Description: In each module you are asked to complete a series of computer graded that review material studied in the module. These combine multiple choice, matching, and fill in the blank style questions. There are approximately three to six graded per module. After you have completed the graded you will be able to view the correct answers. You can review past by clicking on your grade under the My Grades link found in the course menu on the left hand side of the screen. Page 4 of 9
MUS 101.3 (W sections): Midterm Examination Value: 30% of final grade Due Date: Please refer to Course Schedule Purpose: Review and synthesis of all materials covered in the first half of the course (Modules 1-3) Description: You will be able to access the midterm exam from 8:00am until 10:00pm on the day it is assigned. Once you start the exam you will have two hours to complete it before you will be locked out. The final covers content from Modules 1-3. It may contain a mix of multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer questions. The exam has been designed for an open-book format. Open book exams test you on your understanding, more than your recall. You will need to prepare for the exam just as you would any other. If you rely on being able to look up the answers, you will not have enough time to complete the exam, nor will you receive full marks on the short answer and essay questions for simply repeating the information from the modules. The exam will ask you to think critically about the themes and ideas covered in the course. While you may wish to refer to facts to support your answers, this is not as important as demonstrating that you understand the material. If you have any technical problems accessing the exam or during the exam, contact the U of S ICT Help Desk at 966-4817 or email help.desk@usask.ca if technical problems persist. Please do not use the discussion boards for help during the exam - ICT is readily available by phone and able to assist and advise you with any technical issues. MUS 101.3 (W sections): Final Examination Value: 40% of final grade Date: August 14, 9:00 am Purpose: A comprehensive examination on all of the material covered in all modules. Description: An invigilated three-hour examination. No electronic devices are allowed in the examination room such as: mobile phones, ipods/mp3s, or portable computers of any kind. The day and time of your final examination will be listed in your PAWS account. The location listed in PAWS for your exam is the Saskatoon location. If you want to write your final exam outside Saskatoon, you must complete an Application for Final Examination form, available at: https://ccde.usask.ca/exam-info This will let us know where you would like to write your exam. Students writing in Saskatoon do not need to complete this form. Additional Information Please review the course due dates carefully. Late work must be discussed with your instructor and will only be accepted on the basis of medical or compassionate reasons. In most cases late graded will NOT be accepted as the answer key is made available once the due date has passed. Given the large class size, it is important that we maintain the course schedule. This will allow your instructor to provide timely feedback on your work. Students may request reevaluation his or her work. These requests must be received by email no earlier than twenty-four (24) hours after a quiz or assignment has been returned and no later than Page 5 of 9
one week after its return. The request must be accompanied by a few sentences that explain the reason for the request. The instructor reserves the right to reevaluate the entire assessment (not just the point under question), which may result in the grade being increased, decreased, or remaining the same. If a student is dissatisfied with the outcome of this informal appeal the formal process for appeal at the University of Saskatchewan is available here: http://www.usask.ca/university_secretary/policies/student/policy-on-student-appeals-ofevaluation,-grading-and-academic-standing.php Students with Disabilities If you have a diagnosed disability (learning, medical, physical, or mental health), you are strongly encouraged to register with Disability Services for Students (DSS). In order to access DSS programs and supports, you must follow DSS policy and procedures. If you suspect you may have a disability, contact DSS for advice and referrals. For more information, see http://www.students.usask.ca/disability/ or contact DSS at 306-966-7273 or dss@usask.ca Integrity Defined Integrity is expected of all students in their academic work class participation, examinations, assignments, research, practical and in their non-academic interactions and activities as well. (Office of the University Secretary) It is your responsibility to be familiar with the University of Saskatchewan Guidelines for Academic Conduct. More information is available at http://www.usask.ca/secretariat/student-conduct-appeals/integritydefined.pdf Academic Honesty Following are some important regulations related to your assignments: Plagiarism is a serious offense. If you use resources (books, discussions with others, etc.), cite your sources. Failure to do so is plagiarism. You are expected to have read and understood the University of Saskatchewan's Guidelines for Academic Conduct. You should do the assignments for this course on your own, not in groups unless specified in the assignment instructions. Students whose assignments have been copied from others will be required to redo the assignment. Your instructor may deduct marks if you do not follow the instructions. If you think that your assignment will be late, contact your instructor well in advance of the assignment due date. Instructors will deduct marks for late assignments if you have not made alternative arrangements. Be sure to submit by the due date. You are responsible for seeing that your assignments are submitted as instructed. Do not rely on others to submit your assignments for you. Keep a copy your assignments in case it gets misplaced. Mailed in assignments larger than a 9" x 12" envelope may not be returned to you. Page 6 of 9
Module Objectives Module 1: Learning About Music 1. Navigate the course website comfortably and locate learning materials, assessments, and discussions. 2. Use the course discussion board to introduce yourself to the group and to post a response to the first listening assignment. 3. Begin to compile a list of terminology that you can refer to throughout the course and your study of music Module 2: Pitch 1. Define notation, score, pitch, octave, semitone, chromatic half step, diatonic half step, whole step, accidentals (sharp, flat, double sharp, double flat, natural), enharmonic(ism), register, octave equivalence. 2. Fluently transcribe and notate pitches in the treble (G) and bass (F) clefs. 3. Transcribe and notate pitches in movable C clefs, especially the alto clef. 4. Locate given pitches on the keyboard. 5. Aurally identify whole steps and half steps. 6. Identify and notate diatonic whole steps, and diatonic and chromatic half steps. Module 3.1: Rhythm 1. Understand the hierarchical nature of metre. This will be evaluated according to your ability to: a. Define pulse/beat, metre [duple, triple, quadruple; simple, compound] b. Aurally identify duple, triple, and quadruple metres, of both and real musical example c. Be able to aurally identify simple and compound metre 2. Understand the proportional nature of note values as represented by Western rhythm notation. This will be evaluated according to your ability to: a. Define rhythm, note value b. Recognize and write basic note values c. Write equations using equivalent note value Module 3.2: Rhythm Continued 1. Translate the metres and beat divisions (duple, triple, quadruple, or sextuple metres; simple or compound beat division) learned in Module 3.1 into time signatures. 2. Given a correctly notated rhythm, in a specified tempo, be able to supply counting syllables beneath the rhythm, and be able to speak the rhythm; the rhythm may include the occasional triplet in simple metre or duplet in compound metre. 3. Given a correctly notated rhythm without metre signature, but in any of the above metres, at a specified tempo, be able to (a) intone the rhythm, (b) classify its metre, and (c) supply (a) likely metre signature(s). 4. Hearing a phrase in simple or compound metre with a rhythm that occasionally divides the span between beats (without dotted values or ties) be able to notate the rhythm. 5. Using a given succession of note durations, be able to re-notate the rhythm to correctly represent a specified simple or compound metre, with the necessary ties, beams, dots, and bar lines. Page 7 of 9
6. Given a specified metre signature and a rhythmic pattern involving silence, be able to notate the silence with a rest or rests in accordance with the metre signature. Module 4: Major Scales and Keys 1. Define diatonic collection, scale, tonic, supertonic, mediant, subdominant, dominant, submediant, leading tone, tendency tones, key, key signature. 2. Write and identify major scales starting on any pitch. 3. Write and identify major key signatures Module 5: Minor Scales and Keys 1. In the context of minor scales and keys, define scale, diatonic collection, tonic, supertonic, mediant, subdominant, dominant, submediant, subtonic, leading tone, tendency tones, key, key signature, tritone, resolve, resolution. 2. Write and identify minor scales starting on any pitch. 3. Write the conventional forms of the minor scale (natural, harmonic, melodic) 4. Write and identify minor key signatures. 5. Identify the relationship between minor and minor keys as relative or parallel. Module 6: Intervals 1. Define interval, consonant, dissonant, intervallic quantity, intervallic quality, perfect consonance, imperfect consonance, minor, major, diminished, augmented, intervallic inversion. 2. Given an interval, provide its quality and quantity. 3. Given a pitch, construct a given interval above or below that pitch. 4. Given an interval, write its inversion. 5. Resolve a given dissonant interval correctly. Module 7: Triads 1. Define triad, inversion, figured bass; the typical ranges for soprano, alto, tenor, and bass; root position, first inversion, second inversion; figured bass symbols; vocal style, spacing, open, closed, doubling. 2. Given a triad, provide its quality and root. 3. Given a pitch, construct a given triad above that pitch. 4. Write a triad using the correct spacing and doubling 5. Given a musical excerpt, identify the triads and inversions Page 8 of 9
Acknowledgements Course Authors Anna Boyden, MA Dr. Elizabeth Sayrs, MA, PhD (Music Theory, Ohio University) Dr. Lynn Cavanagh, PhD (Music Theory, University of Regina) Audrey Bayduza, MA (University of Saskatchewan) Instructional Design and Course Development Instructional Designer: Jordan Epp (2011 & 2015), Wayne Toews Technology Designer: Robb Larmer (2011) Flash modules: Ian Jensen (2011, EMAP) Assessment programming: Jarett Mardell (2011, EMAP) Original programming: Department of Media technology, University of Saskatchewan Course Funding Funding for the redevelopment of MUS 101 (September 2010-May 2011) was made available through the Department of Music, College of Arts and Science, and the Centre for Continuing and Distance Education. This course was built with the support of the Technology Enhanced Learning Program (TEL) that is funded by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration, Province of Saskatchewan. Page 9 of 9