MUSIC THEORY I
MUSIC 1501—83227
Fall 2010 Syllabus
COURSE INFORMATION
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Semester Dates: September 7-December 20
First Day of Class: September 8.
Location: Fine Arts (FA) 143.
Meeting Days: Mondays and Wednesdays.
Meeting Times: 10:00-11:20 a.m.
Credits: Three (3).
Prerequisites: Placement or permission of Coordinator of Music. Basic music reading
skills are required before taking MUS 1501/1501L. Students who do not read
music are encouraged to complete MUS 1400 before taking this course.
Co-requisites: MUS 1501L must be taken concurrently with MUS 1501.
Course Description
Students with a background in music study and fundamentals will learn the basic
beginning principles of music theory, including key signatures, scale constructions,
intervals, triads, chord progressions, and inversions. Basic figured bass and analysis of
simple musical forms will also be included. This course is a prerequisite for MUS 1511 and
1511L.
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
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Name: Stephen S. Johnson, Ph. D.
Office: Fine Arts (FA) 129.
E-mail: stephenj@csmd.edu.
Phone: (301) 934-7578.
Office Hours: 4:00-5:00 p.m. on Mondays/Wednesdays; 1:00-2:30 p.m. on
Tuesdays/Thursdays.
Rank and Duties: Professor of Music; Coordinator of Music, Theater, and Dance;
Director of CSM Latin Ensemble.
Curriculum: Music Theory I-IV, Ear Training Lab I-IV, Music Appreciation, History of
Jazz, American Music, Music Fundamentals, Latin Ensemble, History of Rock Music.
Education:
 The University of Connecticut (Ph. D., the History and Theory of Music).
 The State University of New York at Potsdam (M. M., Music Theory).
 The University of Southern Maine (B. A., Music).
COURSE MATERIALS
The following course materials are required and must be present at every class meeting:
 Textbook: Kostka, Stefan and Dorothy Payne, Tonal Harmony, 6th edition.
 Workbook: Kostka, Stefan and Dorothy Payne, Tonal Harmony, 6th edition.
 Music manuscript paper.
 #2 pencil.
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COURSE REQUIREMENTS
The following are all required for successful completion of this course:
 Do all reading assignments before they are discussed in class.
 Submit all written assignments and compositions by the assigned deadlines.
 Take all exams and quizzes.
 Participate in class discussions.
 Achieve a grade of D (60%) or better at the end of the semester (unless your program
requires a higher grade).
See Grading and Evaluation for the grading formula.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
By the end of the semester, the student will:
1. Demonstrate the development of music writing skills through analytical, notational, and
compositional assignments in the workbook and other sources.
2. Demonstrate mastery of music fundamentals and music notation, through assessment in
exams, quizzes, and assignments.
3. Continued improvement in writing, discussion, and research skills, by taking part in
regular class discussion and written assignments.
4. Outline the structures of music through regular assessment of analytical skills.
5. Synthesize the elements of music and musical forms by composing a final composition.
GRADING AND EVALUATION
The following percentages will be used to determine the final grade:
Assessment
% of Final
Description
Grade
Mid-term
20
Material studied up to the mid-term.
Exam.
Final Exam.
20
Accumulative, but emphasizing chapters since the mid-term.
Weekly
20
Two lowest grades will be dropped.
Quizzes.
Assignments.
30
Two lowest grades will be dropped.
Composition.
10
Grade based on neat manuscript, content, and composer’s
presence in class.
Once a numerical average is determined, the resulting number will be converted to a final letter
grade based on the following:
 90-100=A.
 80-89=B.
 70-79=C.
 60-69=D.
 0-59=F.
Mid-term grades will be based on a general appraisal of your work due by the Mid-term Week
(see Important Dates for mid-term dates). Materials due but not submitted will count as a zero in
the mid-term determination. Please observe that mid-term grades are submitted only for people
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with an average of D or F. Mid-term grades are not official grades, only warnings. You should
consult me after the mid-term period to determine what is needed to improve your performance.
Some assignments will go through a revision process: 1) Bring the completed assignment to class
on the date assigned, 2) we will discuss any problems that arise, 3) you will have a few minutes to
revise while the topic is fresh, 4) you will submit the revised assignment at the following class. It
is important that you do not fall behind on either your first draft or final assignment, since other
assignments will overlap with them. I will notify you with each assignment if there will be
revision time. Assignments will not be accepted after the final submit date for credit—I will
provide non-credit feedback.
ATTENDANCE
Successful learning requires a “community” effort involving the instructor and all students. Thus,
regular, timely attendance is a necessity for successful completion of this course. You will be
expected to attend every class, barring serious illness, family emergency, or unusual school or
professional events.
Please sign in when you come to class—a sheet will be passed around at the start of class. All
persons arriving after I collect the attendance sheet will be considered tardy. If you are tardy,
please see me after class to explain the reason for your tardiness. I will assume you are absent if
you do not make your presence known after class.
Attendance is taken not only to ensure your success in class; it is also taken for financial aid and
other administrative reasons.
Attendance Policies
1. One, two, or three absences:
a. Up to three absences of any kind will be allowed without grade reduction.
Consider these absences “personal days” such as you would be offered in the
workplace.
b. I will require documentation or prior notice only in the event of a scheduled
exam or in-class presentation, or to receive the extra credit attendance points (see
below); otherwise, “no questions asked.”
2. Four or more absences:
a. Upon the fourth absence, each absence will result in a reduction of the semester
grade by five percentage points. (e.g., a 95 becomes a 90)
3. Removal of absences:
a. You may remove any absence from your record by scheduling
i. a half-hour office visit with me when you return to class OR
ii. discussing an additional assignment or project. The appointment need
not be on that day, but we must discuss when to schedule it after class.
This option expires after one day upon your return, so you will not be
able to “bank” several at a time.
iii. The visits will be for the purpose of going over missed materials.
4. Tardiness and early departure:
a. These are extremely disruptive and rude.
b. Two late arrivals, two early departures, or one of each will result in an absence.
5. Bad Weather:
a. If CSM cancels classes because of bad weather, the cancelled class will not count
in attendance totals.
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b. Use caution during bad weather when school has not been cancelled. Your safety
is more important than any concern about an absence.
Extra Credit Attendance Points:
a. Five percentage points (5%) will be added to the final grade if you miss no more
than one class (excused absence).
Other Circumstances:
a. Absence or irregular attendance due to circumstances not covered in this syllabus
will be excused at my discretion. The excusing in such a case in no way obligates
me to do so in future instances.
b. Continuous and timely attendance is an exercise in professionalism that will
prove invaluable in your careers.
Vacations and Holidays:
a. Classes will not meet during CSM’s Thanksgiving Break. No other days will be
excused.
b. You must still attend classes taking place on important days that are not official
school holidays.
c. Holiday and vacation travel on official college school days cannot be excused
under any circumstances.
d. Final exams and assignments will not be moved up for any reason during the last
week of class. Please plan vacation time carefully!
Instructor Absence:
a. In the event of my absence on any class day, a notice will be posted on the
classroom door noting my absence and any instructions.
b. There will be a note for each individual class. Do not assume that a note for one
class means YOUR class is cancelled!
c. Special note to 8:30 a.m. classes: There is often no staff here until right at 8:30,
so I have no way of posting a notice unless they arrive early. I will try to arrange
for someone to post the cancellation notice, however, I must apologize for the
inconvenience in the event it isn’t posted. You may assume if I have not arrived
by ten minutes into the class, that it is cancelled.
d. Whenever possible, I, or a member of the department, will contact long-distance
commuters in the case of my absence, however, I cannot guarantee that,
especially for early morning classes. If this occurs, thanks for your patience and
understanding.
e. If a class is cancelled, you will have a graded activity to turn in at the next class.
Exam and Assignment Policies during absences
1. Exams and Individual In-class Presentations:
a. Exams and in-class presentations may be made up only with a documented
excuse for your absence. This does not apply to work prepared outside of class
such as assignments or to quizzes.
2. Quizzes:
a. Quizzes may not be made up for any reason. Note that a number of quiz grades
will be dropped from the final grade calculation.
3. Assignments:
a. Assignments must be turned in when due regardless of your presence in class.
Exceptions will be made in the case of illness or family emergency, in which
case you should plan on submitting them at the next attended class.
b. You may e-mail assignments as an attachment ahead of time, but no later than
12:00 noon of the day it is due.
c. If you leave class early, you must turn in the assignment before your departure.
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4. In-class group activities and audio-visual activities:
a. Since in-class activities involve class discussion and audio-visual materials
shown in class, they may not be made up for any reason.
Excusable Absences
1. Absences will be excused for the following reasons:
a. Illness or family emergency.
b. Religious observance.
c. Exceptional travel problems. (Bad weather or unusual traffic issues; poor
planning for bad traffic will not count.)
d. Short-term military obligation. (Military personnel who are facing long-term
deployment should withdraw from the course.)
e. Exceptional professional or academic opportunities.
f. Institutional absence—field trips or athletic events.
2. All absences must be requested in advance in order to be excused. In the case of illness,
you may document the reason upon your return to class. If you do not notify me of an
absence in advance—even if the reason is legitimate—it will be considered unexcused
and makeup privileges will be denied.
CLASS COMMUNICATION
You may contact me outside of class by phone or e-mail to report an absence or to seek advice
about an assignment or other class matter. Please observe the following guidelines for
communication:
 I prefer giving feedback about assignments or other course materials by e-mail since it
gives you something in writing, however, I will gladly respond by phone. Of course, inperson feedback in an office visit is always the best option for you because you get realtime help with hands-on feedback.
 I cannot guarantee turn-around time on phone or e-mail requests in less than 24 hours, so
plan ahead with any time-sensitive questions. Avoid calling the night before something is
due with questions since I am unlikely to get the message or e-mail before class.
 I do not guarantee phone or e-mail responses over weekends or during CSM’s
Thanksgiving Break. You are free to e-mail or call me during those times, but please
keep in mind my response will not be until the first day back. In the event I do respond
during those times, it is not a guarantee I will do so in the future.
 There is no need to request that I return your call in case of an absence. Simply state the
reason for your absence in your message. I will return your call only if I have a question
for you.
 Because you have a syllabus and a reading and assignment calendar, there is no need to
ask what you will be missing when you call about an absence. In the case of an absence,
you may schedule an office visit to go over missed materials.
 Please check the bulletin board near the doorway for any class announcements or
upcoming concerts.
 Please check for class handouts on the music stand near the door as you arrive.
POLICY ON AUDITS AND INCOMPLETES
Audits will not be permitted in this class. If you find your schedule to be overwhelming, please
withdraw at the appropriate time.
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Incompletes will be granted only in cases where a single event such as an exam needs to be made
up at the end of the semester and at my discretion. If an incomplete is granted, documentation
must be completed before grades are submitted. Incompletes should never be considered a
remedy for long-term absence or lack of planning.
UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS
Only persons registered for the class, the instructor, and persons authorized by the instructor for
curricular purposes shall be allowed in the classroom during the scheduled class time. This policy
maintains academic integrity, prevents potential disruption of class, and avoids potential
insurance issues. In the rare event that you must care for a child, you will be excused for the
absence.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The College of Southern Maryland highly values the integrity of its student scholars. All students
and faculty are urged to share in the responsibility for removing every situation which might
permit or encourage academic dishonesty. Cheating in any form is a serious offense.
 Cheating is defined as any action that occurs with the intent to defraud or use under false
pretenses, including, but not limited to: obtaining information during an exam;
unauthorized use of books, notes, or other sources of information for an exam; removal of
faculty exam materials; and the changing of documents or records. Signing an attendance
sheet for an absent friend is also a form of cheating.
 Plagiarism is defined here as the submission of the ideas, words, or artistic works of
another, without giving due credit to the original source, even when committed
accidentally.
If you are caught performing these activities, you will receive a grade of F for the assignment,
exam, or activity for the day; upon the second occurrence, failure of the class will result. In all
cases, the incident will be reported to the Dean of Student Services and additional penalties may
be applied. Please consult your student handbook regarding college policy. A certain degree of
collaborative work may be permissible with some projects; however the resulting output should
be independent. Consult with your instructor when unsure of possible accidental plagiarism.
CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS
Students with documented disabilities who wish to request accommodations in class should
contact Disability Support Services in the Learning Assistance Department at (301) 934-7614 to
ensure that such accommodations are implemented as soon as possible. Accommodations cannot
be offered without the appropriate form from that office, regardless of the type or degree of
disability. Details of disabilities will remain confidential.
CLASS DISRUPTIONS
All electronic devices must be turned OFF and stowed away once class starts. (Note to cell phone
users—your phones are not OFF when set to vibrate.) Any use of electronic devices during class,
including silent activities such as text messaging, is strictly prohibited. Laptop computers may not
be used for note-taking. Special exceptions will be made for students requiring a device for a
documented disability or for ESL students requiring language translators.
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Cell phone usage will not be allowed in emergency contact situations. Please make arrangements
with the Administrative Assistant in Room 125 to accept any calls. If you are in an evening class,
please provide campus safety’s phone number to any party that needs to contact you. If you feel
you must be in emergency phone contact during a class, please plan on not attending class—your
absence will be excused.
Students using any electronic device during class for any reason other than the exceptions listed
above will receive one warning; upon the second and subsequent occurrences, your end of
semester grade will be reduced by three (3) percentage points.
SYLLABUS STATEMENT
I reserve the right to make changes to this syllabus and the schedule of events. Such changes
might involve correction of typographical errors in a syllabus or other course item, change of a
policy that results from cancellation of class due to bad weather, etc. Any changes will be for
your benefit and will never result in a hardship. I will notify you of any changes in the class
before the changes take place.
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
Material presented in this course may be protected by copyright law. When submitting
assignments, be aware that copyrighted material may not be used in some cases, even when you
give proper credit to the source. (e.g., a picture on a report cover) Check the student handbook
and published or online sources when in doubt about copyright.
IMPORTANT DATES
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Tuesday, September 7—First day of fall semester.
Wednesday, September 8—First day of class.
Monday, September 13—Last day to add classes.
Monday, November 8—Last day to withdraw without a grade; last day to switch
grade/audit.
Wednesday, November 24—No Class (Thanksgiving Break 11/24-28)
Monday, December 20—Last day of fall semester and last day of this class.
A separate reading and assignment calendar will be provided.