MUS 206 Course Syllabus and Classroom Policies
The University of Mississippi
Department of Music

IMPORTANT: Once you have read the syllabus, click here.

I.

Course (MUS 206) Musicianship and Harmony IV.
An in-depth study of chromatic harmony through part-writing and analysis; the study of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century chromatic harmony; an introduction to twenteieth-century compositional techniques; the further development of all musical skills based on chromatic and atonal music. prerequisite for Mus 206: Mus 205. (3).

II.

Texts

A.

Required Texts

  Charles J. Smith, Tonal Models of Music, vol. II, chapters 5-14, Text and Workbook (Unpublished, used by permission.)
    Robert W. Ottman, Music for Sight Singing, 4d (1996). Note, do NOT purchase the new edition; you must have a copy of the BLUE Ottman book, which may only be available 2nd hand.

  Adobe Acrobat reader, internet access and printing availability

B.

Supplementary or Recommended Resources

  Ann K. Blombach, MacGamut 2000 User Disk. The same CD is compatible with both Macintosh and Windows based computers. I cannot recommend this software more strongly to help polish the fundamentals. You may use the software in practice mode in the tech lab without owning a copy.

  A 3-ring binder and staff paper.

  A metronome with an A-440 tone. (You may purchase a tuning fork instead if your metronome does not have an A-440.

III.

Purpose of the Course

A.

Course Description

  MUS 206 is the fourth course of the 5-semester core theory sequence. In MUS 206 we will complete our study of chromatic harmony and continue to a survey of 20th Century compositional techniques. While we will only be able to scratch the surface of 20th Century techniques and styles, I hope that this limited exposure will give you some insight into the aesthetic philosophies of the key players in the music of the last century. Perhaps as well, this study may spark some curiosity to explore these styles more deeply.

B.

General goals and objectives

  Upon completion of this course, all students shall understand and recognize (by eye and by ear) advanced concepts of chromatic harmony and have the tools to understand and analyze music based on these principles. All students shall have a basic understanding of the principles underlying selected aspects of 20th century music. Studies in rhyhtm will address changing and irregular meters and selected 20th century rhythmic/metric innovations.

IV.

Course Outline

  1. Chromatic sequences
  2. Modulation
  3. Neapolitan Harmony
  4. Augmented Sixth Chords
  5. Chromatic Dominants
  6. Post-Romanticism
  7. Atonality and Serialism
  8. New Scalar Resources
  9. Intro to Jazz theory

V.

Course Requirements

  1. Regular homework assignments
  2. Quizzes (announced and random)
  3. Midterm and Final written examinations
  4. 4 individual/partner aural examinations
  5. 2 dictation examinations
  6. Participation and Preparation

VI.

Course Evaluation

Grades shall be calculated as follows:

Total Grade
Weekly Averages 50% Examinations 50%
Homework: 30% Written Midterm Exam: 5%
Quizzes: 10% Written Final Exam: 15%
Participation/Preparation: 10% 4 Individual Aural Exams: 25%*
    2 Dictation Exams: 5%

*note: you must pass the Aural Exam component to earn a C in the course; all students must earn a grade of C or better to apply this course toward a degree in music.

Grades

 
A=100%-90% B=89%-80% C=79%-70% D=69%-60% F=Below 60%

VII.

Classroom Policies

A.

 Attendance Policy
Attendance is required; missed classes will result in a reduction of the participation/preparation component of the grade. Students missing 8 or more classes for any reason (official school functions approved in advance are excepted) will be automatically given a grade of F. In case of personal tragedy, all efforts will be made to make up missed work and to exempt a student from the formal attendance policy if the instructor deems it possible to remediate the missed work on a case-by-case basis. Note that telling me you will be absent is a courtesy, but does not make the absence automatically authorized.

B.

 Tardiness and Attentiveness
Students more than 15 minutes late for any class meeting will be recorded as absent.
Students reading a newspaper or otherwise disregarding the activities of the class will be recored as absent.

C.

 Late Assignments
Homework assignments may be accepted late with a 10% per diem penalty. Once assignments are graded and returned or discussed in class, no more late assignments will be accepted, therefore, you cannot count on having a right to submit a late assignment--if I happen to discuss it when it is turned in, the assignment will not be accepted late. Assignments that are less than 50% attempted will not be accepted; assignments that do not meet an acceptable level of neatness will likewise be returned ungraded or with a penalty at the discretion of the instructor.

D.

 Academic Honesty and Integrity
Students are expected to follow the honor code as outlined in the current University of Mississippi M Book. Plagiarism offences may result in anywhere from a zero on the assignment or test to immediate dismissal from the course at the instructor's discretion. Note that the "lender" is equally as guilty as the "borrower" in offences of plagiarism, and no distinction is made during assignment of guilt. If you are at all unclear as to what constitutes plagiarism, please consult with your instructor immediately.

E.

 Special Needs
Students who require special considerations or accommodations should contact the office of student disabilities as soon as possible. That office will then advise me of appropriate accommodations and we will work together to ensure your success. No accommodation will be made retroactively of receiving notification from the office of student disabilities.

IMPORTANT: Once you have read the syllabus, click here.