LSMSA Course Syllabus
MU 101 - Fundamentals of Music
MWF 8:00-8:50; Room 243 HSB
Dr. Al Benner (318) 357-3231
Room P109A - office hours as posted on office door or on website
abenner@lsmsa.edu

COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES
To gain knowledge and comprehension of the basic fundamentals of music and to serve as an introduction to the common practice period of music theory.  This will include, but is not limited to, a study of the rudiments of musical materials including reading music, key and time signatures, intervals, basic harmony, rhythms, major and minor scales, chord structures.  There may be an opportunity to begin some basic sight-singing and ear-training.  We will also do a rudiment discussion on how Western music developed and discuss each Musical Era from Medieval through 20^th-century.  Proper preparation in the above will aid the student in a basic understanding of musical language and also prepare them for further study in music theory.  The student will be given the opportunity to be challenged; to develop musical skills that will express his/her abilities that will aid in future instrumental and/or vocal playing, and will be beneficial in other music courses.

MATERIALS
Pencil, paper and manuscript paper brought to each class.

TEXT
Ottman, Robert W.: Elementary Harmony: Theory and Practice, 5th ed.
The Instructor will also provide individual music sheets as needed.
Supplemental Text
Listening CD or cassette as provided by the Instructor.

EXAMINATIONS AND GRADING
Specifics about grading procedures will be discussed in class by the Instructor. In general:

• The Instructor expects material to be learned in a timely manner. Exams will be given to ensure proper understanding of the material covered and as a review. 
• There may be listening assignments outside of class period.  It is the responsibility of the student to do the listening and be prepared to recognize either all or excerpts from a particular piece.  Listening identification will be either a part of a major exam or presented as a separate quiz.
• There will be an individual mid-term exam on material covered up to that point.  There will also be a final exam covering material for the entire semester.
• There will be class assignments (or homework) fairly frequently.  These assignments will either be on materials already discussed and/or materials we will be discussing in the next class period.  One will be given a mark based on effort--not necessarily on correct answers.  The student will be given zero (0) or one (1) points.  The student will have the opportunity to re-do assignments as many times as they wish to improve their score until the end of the semester providing you turn in your assignment in a timely manner.  Assignments not turned in, however, when due will receive 0 points.  If the assignment is more than a week late, then you will receive negative (-) 1 points.  It is better, however, to turn in all assignments, no matter how late.  Some credit will be awarded.  At both mid-term and at the end of the semester, homework assignments will be added or subtracted to your test scores.  Homework assignment points come particularly in play for those in “gray” areas.
• Depending upon how the class proceeds, a paper or papers will be assigned upon the discretion of the Instructor.  The paper may be, but is not limited to, an in-depth examination of a particular composer, particular compositional school, or a particular theory concept.  It is also highly likely that a composition or compositions will be required to demonstrate understanding of a particular common practice or 20th century technique.  This will be discussed in detail when the time arises.
• Students are required to attend two musical performances (as described by the Instructor) during the semester and turn in a written (computer or typed) report, minimum one page, single and ½ spaced, font no larger than 12 point, about the event (due no later than two weeks after the performance date).  One is required by the mid-term exam; the other the last day of class.  You can always turn in your reports before the due dates.  Each report will receive 1 point.  If you miss the deadlines, 0 points will be given.  If one of your papers is not turned in by mid-term, or does not meet the paper requirements, you will receive 1 letter grade lower for your mid-semester grade.  Without both reports, you cannot make an "A" in this course.
• At the discretion of the Instructor, a point(s) can be given for either exceptional work or a minus(es) for behavior that is disruptive or refusal to participate in class requirements or assignments. 

For the exams, you will be given a letter grade of A, B, C, or D.  The Instructor may add pluses or minuses (i.e., B+) for his own use, however, your final grade will not carry a plus or minus. (i.e., if you are listed as a B+, you will get a B).  Grades are determined as a percentage according to: 100-90=A; 89-80=B, 79-70=C, 69 or below=D.

Exams are based on 100 points.  The mid-term exam is 100 points; the final exam will be doubled (or worth 200 points).

READING ASSIGNMENTS
Although this may vary, we will basically cover the first three chapters of the Ottman.  This reading will be spaced out throughout the semester.  There will also be a supplemental reading material covering the musicology section.  You will be told what pages to read of this supplement when appropriate.

EXAMS SCHEDULE
Generally by mid-term we will have 1 or 2 exams and then the mid-term exam.
After mid-term, there is generally 2 or 3 exams and then the final exam.  
The following dates are a guideline and may be altered depending upon the progress of the class.  IT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO ME THAT YOU LEARN THE MATERIAL THAN GIVING A SPECIFIC GRADE. 

Generally exams will be given approximately every 2-3 weeks.  These exams will be spaced throughout the semester to correspond to when material should be learned in a timely manner.  Depending upon variations in the class schedule, there may be 1 less exam than above.  This will be discussed in class if appropriate.  All exams will be announced at least a week in advance of when they are given.  The mid-term exam will be either October 6 or 8; Final exam is as posted.  These will be discussed at least a week in advance of when they are given.

ATTENDANCE
Students must adhere to the LSMSA attendance policy.  Failure to attend a class will be reported on the attendance report.  The administration and/or the school nurse, not the Instructor, will determine whether or not an absence is excused.  If you do miss a class for any reason, it is your responsibility to contact a classmate to know what took place during your absence and to prepare for any class assignment or exam that will take place upon you return.  Unexcused absences will result in a minus for any class assignment you missed.  Attendance is taken at the beginning of class.  If you enter after attendance is taken, you will be marked tardy.  Three unexcused tardies are considered as one absence. You are tardy once class begins.  If you are tardy, it is your responsibility to get the material you missed from a classmate.

LIFE PHILOSOPHY
Do what is right even if it is unpopular.
Take responsibility for your actions.
Don't let others think for you.
There is always a choice.
Be true to yourself.

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