LSMSA Course Syllabus
MU 301 – Advanced Music Theory I
MWF 1:00-1:50; Room 109A [Prudhomme]
Dr. Al Benner (318) 357-3231
Room 109A - office hours as posted on office door or on website
abenner@lsmsa.edu

Changes during the semester are marked in red.

COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES
To continue the knowledge and comprehension of the common practice period of music theory and other techniques critical to a fundamental understanding of how theory began and where it stands today as we approach the 21st century.  This will include, but is not limited to, the basic structure of pieces, creating melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, ear-training, sight-singing, dictation, score reading and analysis, and the formal attributes that comprise common practice theory.  Depending upon the advancement of a particular class, we may discuss counterpoint, beginning compositional skills and some twentieth-century techniques this semester.  Proper preparation in the above will aid the student not only in an effective use of common practice theory and some 20th-century theory, but will also be a tremendous benefit in the performance of music.  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.
Your text book must be brought to each class.
You will be instructed when to bring your supplemental text.

TEXT
Benjamin, Thomas, Horvit, Michael, and Nelson, Robert: Techniques and Materials of Tonal Music, 3rd ed.
Benjamin, Thomas, Horvit, Michael, and Nelson, Robert: Music for Analysis
The Instructor will also provide individual music sheets as needed.
Supplemental Text
Ottman, Robert W.: Elementary Harmony: Theory and Practice, 5th ed.
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.
• Since this course will set aside each week a section for sight-singing, there will be sight-singing quizzes given at the proper time.
• 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 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).  The last day to turn in these review papers is the last day of class (Dec. 10).  You can always turn in your reports before the due dates.  Without both reports, regardless of your overall point total, you cannot make an "A" in this course.  Reports will not add to your overall total, however, missing reports will deduct 5 points from your average score in determining a final grade.
• 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. 
• There will be at least one (maybe 2) class projects.  These will be discussed in class as to specifics.

For the quizzes and 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 unequal points.  Consequently, your grade will be determined by a percentage correct on each exam.  The project will be based on 100 points.  The breakdown of the final grade will be: Mid-term 15%; Exams 20%; Quizes 10%; Project 20%; Final Exam 25%, Class Preparedness and Participation 10%.

READING ASSIGNMENTS
Although this may vary, we will basically cover the Part II—Diatonic Materials and Part III—Chromatic Materials throughout the semester. 

EXAMS SCHEDULE
Generally by mid-term we will have 1 or 2 exams and then the mid-term exam.  (The number of quizzes will be determined by class participation and standing.)
After mid-term, there are generally 1 or 2 exams and then the final exam.  (The number of quizzes will be determined by class participation and standing.)
Periodically there may be a sight-singing quiz.  This will be announced the week before.  
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. 

The mid-term exam will be either October 8 or 10; Final exam is as posted.  Other exams will be spaced throughout the semester to correspond to when material should be learned in a timely manner.  These will be discussed at least a week in advance of when they are given.  Depending upon variations in the class schedule, there may be 1 less exam than above.  The project(s) will be assigned a specific due date.  This will be discussed in class.  In general, all projects are due on the last day of class—this semester it is Dec. 10. .

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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