Introduction to Composition – Fall 2015
MUT 314
Course Information
FALL 2015
MUT 314 – Section 101 (CRN 11999) – Introduction to Composition
Web-Enhanced Course Instructional Method
Class Time: TBA
Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Room 1151
Instructor Information
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. David Z. Durant
Dr. David Z. Durant
(251) 460-6695 (office) or (251) 802-7905 (cell)
ddurant@southalabama.edu
Dr. Durant’s office hours are Tuesday 1 – 4 PM, Thursday 1 – 4 PM and by appointment. His
office is Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Room 1151.
Please make sure I can identify you in your email. Put your full name in the body of your email.
Course Description
Compositional techniques and the writing of original compositions for solo instruments and
small ensembles.
Course Topical Outline
MUT 314 is an introductory course in composing music and understanding the process of
composition.
The following topics will be covered in MUT 314:
Melody
Piano composition
Harmony
Chamber music composition
Counterpoint
Form as it applies to composition
Abstract composition
Orchestration as it applies to composition
Solo composition
Originality as it applies to composition
Two-part composition
Process as it applies to composition
Course Goals and Objectives
• To understand and establish the discipline required of a professional composer
• To obtain the common vocabulary of the community of professional composers
• To establish competence in composition
• To produce a complete composition
Course Pre-requisites / Co-requisites
MUT 213 or consent of instructor
Course Materials
Staff Paper
Class Attendance Policy
A significant amount of your training will be done in class. You are expected to attend, be on
time, and be prepared for every class. Attendance will not factor in your grade.
Assessment
The final grade for this course will be determined using the following percentages:
75% Five Projects (15% each)
25% Final Project (DUE: Friday, December 4)
MAKE-UP EXAM and TEST POLICY
A make-up test or final exam will be given under the following circumstances:
• A death in the immediate family
• A documented family emergency
• A documented personal emergency
• A documented illness
• A documented University or Departmental function
In extraordinary circumstances a student may be given the test in advance of the scheduled class
period. All make-up tests or exams must be completed within one week of the scheduled test or
exam.
Important Dates
Last Day to Add a Course or Change to Audit: Thursday, August 20 (5:59 p.m.)
Last Day to Drop from a Course: Friday, October 23 (4:59 p.m.)
Holidays: Monday, September 7 (Labor Day); Thursday and Friday, October 8 and 9 (Fall Break);
Wednesday, November 25 - Sunday, November 29 (Thanksgiving Holidays)
Last Day of Classes: Friday, December 4
LATE WORK PENALTY
Assignments are to be turned in at the beginning of class on the day they are due. Late work will
not be accepted. If you are going to be absent you may turn your work in early OR email it to Dr.
Durant before 2 PM of the scheduled due date.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
Assignments are due during the week ending with the following Fridays: 9/4, 9/18, 10/2, 10/16,
and 10/30. The final project is due on 12/4.
Changes in Course Requirements
Not all classes progress at the same rate thus course requirements might have to be modified as
circumstances dictate. You will be given written notice if the course requirements need to be
changed.
Academic Disruption Policy
The University of South Alabama’s policy regarding Academic Disruption is found in The
Lowdown, the student handbook.
http://www.southalabama.edu/lowdown/academicdisruption.shtml: Disruptive academic
behavior is defined as individual or group conduct that interrupts or interferes with any
educational activity or environment, infringes upon the rights and privileges of others, results in
or threatens the destruction of property and/or is otherwise prejudicial to the maintenance of
order in an academic environment.
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Dr. Durant expects you to be cordial, courteous and respectful of faculty members and fellow
students.
The use of cell phones, laptops, or any other electronic device is not permitted in MUT 312
without prior permission from Dr. Durant.
Student Academic Conduct Policy
The University of South Alabama’s policy regarding Student Academic Conduct Policy is found
in The Lowdown http://www.southalabama.edu/lowdown/academicconductpolicy.shtml: The
University of South Alabama is a community of scholars in which the ideals of freedom of
inquiry, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and freedom of the individual are sustained.
The University is committed to supporting the exercise of any right guaranteed to individuals by
the Constitution and the Code of Alabama and to educating students relative to their
responsibilities.
Any student who is found to have cheated or plagiarized on any aspect of MUT 312 will be
reported to the Director of the Department of Music and will be reprimanded to the highest
extent allowed by the University. This may included receiving a failing grade in the class and
expulsion from the University.
Students with Disabilities
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, students with bona fide disabilities will
be afforded reasonable accommodation. The Office of Special Student Services will certify a
disability and advise faculty members of reasonable accommodations. If you have a specific
disability that qualifies you for academic accommodations, please notify me and provide
certification from the Special Student Services (Office of Special Students Services). The Office
of Special Students Services is located at 5828 Old Shell Rd. at Jaguar Drive. (251) 460-7212.
Online Writing Support
The University of South Alabama provides online writing tutoring services through
SMARTHINKING, an online tutoring service. SMARTHINKING is available at
http://services.smarthinking.com.
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