Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for MUS 110 Winter 2025


Course Number:
MUS 110
Course Title:
Fundamentals of Music
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Covers the basic concepts of music: pitch, rhythm, meter, intervals, modes, scales, harmony and music notation. Introduces the science of sound and music theory terminology. Begins development of musical performance skills through singing, clapping and performance on the piano keyboard. Also includes basic aural skills. Course intended for non-music majors and to prepare students for further music theory study. Prerequisites: WR 115, RD 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement test scores. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  1. Analyze a basic notated musical work through classification of basic components such as meter, tonality, harmony, tempo, texture, form, dynamics, register, and timbre. 
  2. Compose a basic notated melody in treble and/or bass clef.
  3. Critique basic music compositions based on the elements and concepts of music.
  4. Demonstrate music components such as durations, pitch recognition, octave designation, major and minor scales, and triads through applied performance (singing,  clapping, and/or piano playing).

Integrative Learning

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to reflect on one’s work or competencies to make connections between course content and lived experience.

General education philosophy statement

The study of music provides students the opportunity to experience the artform as learners, listeners, and practitioners. Students will cultivate a deeper understanding of music as an expression of culture developed from rich traditions, social structures, and technological innovations, each with unique aesthetic and artistic values, all reflected through organized sound.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Methods used to evaluate student progress and the criteria for assigning a course letter grade should be made clear by the instructor at the beginning of the course. The individual instructor will determine the method of assessment. Assessment methods may include:

  • Qualitative and/or quantitative examinations
  • Homework assignments
  • Listening assignments
  • Concert reports
  • Research project
  • Class participation

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

The six elements of music
Notation of rhythm
Nature of sound
Notation of pitch
The piano keyboard
Simple meter
The recorder
Compound meter
Borrowed rhythms
Major scales and keys
Intervals
The circle of fifths
Minor scales and keys
Root position and inverted triads
Basic musical design (form)
Introduction to harmonic function
COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:
The following skills are expected to successfully meet the minimum requirement of "C" of "Pass" for the course.

  • Read and interpret basic melodies in treble and bass clef.
  • Locate specific pitches on the piano keyboard.
  • Label pitches by letter name and Hertz.
  • Visually and aurally determine the meter of a musical composition.
  • Visually identify and notate major and minor scales.
  • Visually identify the key of a basic musical work.
  • Visually identify and construct intervals.
  • Visually identify and construct basic triads.
  • Determine the form of a basic musical work.
  • Provide an harmonic analysis of a basic diatonic composition.