Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for MUS 111 Winter 2025


Course Number:
MUS 111
Course Title:
Music Theory I
Credit Hours:
3
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Presents music theory relevant to a variety of contemporary and historical styles. Introduces the study of music components such as rhythm, meter, melody, hook, riff, scales, intervals and chords. Includes 5-line staff notation, grid notation, and chord charts. No previous music experience required. Recommended: concurrent enrollment in MUS 111C, MUS 191P, and MUC 130A. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description


 

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon successful completion of the course students should be able to:

  1. Identify rhythmic components such as tempo and beat in common simple meters (4/4, 3/4, 2/4), and commonly employed rhythmic patterns in those meters.

  2. Transpose a melodic pattern to different keys.

  3. Break down melodies, chords, and scales into their intervallic components.

  4. Spell or notate major, minor, and diminished triad qualities.

  5. Create diatonic melodic phrases in 4/4, 3/4, and 2/4 using commonly employed rhythmic patterns.

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 the opportunity to experience the art form both as listeners and as creators. It is an expression of culture developed from rich historical traditions, each with unique aesthetic and artistic values reflected through organized sound.

Course Activities and Design

  • Improvise melodies using major and minor scales in simple meters

Outcome Assessment Strategies

The instructor should make the criteria for assigning a course grade and for evaluating student progress clear at the beginning of the term. The individual instructor will determine the methods of assessment. Assessment methods may include:

Qualitative examinations
Quantitative examinations
Homework assignments
Music presentations
Class participation
Composition projects
Small group work/problem solving
Concert reports

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  • Simple meter (4/4, 3/4, 2/4)

  • Tempo & BPM

  • Rhythmic durations and relationships

  • Major keys, scales, key signatures

  • Minor Keys, Scales, Key Signatures

  • Parallel and Relative Keys

  • Diatonic intervals (m2-P8), half step (semitone), whole step

  • Overtone series

  • Diatonic triads in major keys - major, minor, diminished

    • Root position only

    • Roman numerals

    • Chord symbols

  • Augmented Triad

  • Scale degree names 

  • Piano keyboard

  • Treble and bass clef

    • Moveable clefs

  • Triplets, swing rhythms

  • Circle of Fifths

  • Introduction to 5-line staff notation

  • Piano roll in a DAW