04.01.01.02 Music academic component
Five semesters of written theory and aural musicianship
Undergraduate students are required to take five semesters of an integrated written theory/aural musicianship sequence. The written theory courses are numbered TH101, TH102, TH201, TH202 and TH205, with the corresponding musicianship courses labeled TH161,TH162, TH261, TH262, and TH265. Students will be placed into the appropriate level course within the sequence based on placement exams administered during orientation week; the results of these exams are binding. Theory and aural musicianship courses must be taken concurrently and in sequence.
There are three possible theory "tracks" - intensive, regular, and honors. The intensive (I) track is intended for students who have had limited previous theory background; while the class meets for more clock hours than the other two tracks, this does not carry any additional credit. After successful completion of the first two semesters in the intensive track, students then move into the regular track.
The regular theory track consists of the standard five-semester curriculum, as described above.
The honors (H) track is intended for students who have significant previous theory background. The five-semester core theory curriculum is condensed into four semesters of integrated theory/aural musicianship that progresses at a quicker pace than the regular track. Note that students in the honors sequence must maintain a minimum course grade of B, or they will be reassigned to the regular course sequence (i.e., five semesters of coursework instead of four).
Failure of either theory or aural musicianship requires that the student register for the course again (offered one full year after the initial registration), and the student will be unable to move on in the overall sequence until a passing grade has been achieved. Should a student fail three or more theory/aural musicianship courses, this will be considered unsatisfactory progress towards degree completion and may lead to dismissal from the School.
Theory courses may not be taken out of sequence (for example, taking TH205 before TH261) except in very exceptional circumstances. Individual cases must be supported by strong justification (e.g. medical reasons), and must be approved by the theory department chair and the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs prior to registration.
Three semesters of music history
Three music history survey courses (MHS121, 122 and 123) that trace the development of music from the ninth century to the present are required of all undergraduates. In addition to the study and analysis of the musical literature of the time, the cultural and performing contexts in which the music has been created are examined. Diverse styles of music throughout history are explored ? Western and non-Western, ?classical? and popular, as are perspectives on issues of gender, folk and popular musics.
One music academic elective: an upper division course in music history or theory
In addition to the core theory and music history sequences, students must take a 3-credit music academic elective. This is an upper division course (numbered 200 or higher) in either music history or theory, such as counterpoint, or any special topics music history course.
For students with a double major in music education and performance, this requirement is met by the combination of a jazz theory course (JCM201) with a composition course (orchestration or choral arranging), found within the music education major.
(Updated 4/16/09)
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