Music Theory I Syllabus for 2026-2027
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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Statement on State-Authorized Courses at Amarillo College

For-credit academic and workforce education courses offered at Amarillo College are limited to the course options available in the statewide inventory for two-year public institutions. Courses in the state-authorized lower-division Academic Course Guide Manual and Workforce Education Course Manual have specific descriptions that prescribe course content and may include specific student learning outcomes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) maintains and regularly updates these manuals. Amarillo College faculty and leaders ensure that these courses are aligned with THECB guidelines and evaluated based on student performance outcomes. Students enrolled in these courses are expected to engage with and learn course content. According to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual, "faculty members are entitled to academic freedom in the conduct of research and teaching and are tasked with the associated responsibilities" (DGC). Students are entitled to academic freedom in the classroom, as well, and faculty "must not attempt to force on students a personal viewpoint and must at all times allow diversity of opinion" (Amarillo College Academic Affairs Manual).

Course

MUSI-1311-001 Music Theory I

Prerequisites

Course Description

The study of analysis and writing of tonal melody and diatonic harmony, including fundamental music concepts, scales, intervals, chords, 7th chords, and early four-part writing.  Analysis of small compositional forms. Optional correlated study at the keyboard.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

Hours

(3 sch 3 lec 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Tonal Harmony with an Introduction to Post Tonal Music (9th edition ebook or printed book), Stefan Kostka

Workbook for Tonal Harmony with an Introduction to Post Tonal Music (9th edition ebook or printed book), Stefan Kostka

*When purchasing textbooks, please go to the AC Bookstore*

Supplies

Staff paper (can be spiral book or loose leaf)

https://viva.pressbooks.pub/openmusictheory/ (this is an open educational resource and is free to use, this will be supplemental to the Tonal Harmony text)

Pencils, erasers, binder/folder

Student Performance

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

1. Come to class with the necessary materials, pay attention during lectures, and show respect for your professor and fellow classmates. 

2. Come to class on time and prepared (having done your homework and/or reading assignments). 

3. Promptly obtain assignments from missed classes and turn them in on time. 

4. Comprehend the reading assignments (do not just skim). 

5. Ask questions! I would much rather you ask a question that may seem silly to you, then for you to continue on being confused. 

6. Use your resources such as your textbooks, workbook, other students, or your professor to ensure you have a good understanding of each topic. 

7. Be self-motivated to do well in class. This course lays the groundwork for all music courses you will take in the future. 

8. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete assignments. Tasks often take longer than expected. Factor in unexpected interruptions, fatigue, and technical difficulties. Start your work closer to the day it was assigned than the day it is due.

9. Do your own work. You may confer with classmates or other music majors, but you may not copy their work.The same goes for AI use.

Grading Criteria

Your final grade is calculated using the following criteria: 

Quizzes  - 20%
Homework/Participation - 25%
Midterm Exam - 25%
Final Exam - 30%

90 - 100% - A
80 - 89% - B
70 - 79% - C
60 - 69% - D
0 - 59% - F

Attendance

You are allotted 2 unexcused absences for the semester. An unexcused absence qualifies as any absence that is not spoken about beforehand, and/or an absence where you are missing class for a preventable situation (going to a concert, traveling for a non school event, etc.), and/or a situation where you do not have needed documentation. Regarding excused absences, an absence will be considered excused if you communicate with me beforehand, and/or provide documentation (i.e. - if you're sick, getting a doctors note; if you have a school function, ensuring I get notified; etc.). Please ask the professor for clarification if you are ever unsure, and please communicate any absences as soon as possible. 

Regardless of the type of absence, all students are responsible for retrieving and completing makeup assignments and readings. All assignments with instructions will be posted on Blackboard. Please communicate with your professor or a fellow classmate for any clarifications needed on the makeup work. Any assignment extensions need to be discussed and agreed upon between the professor and student. If no extension is discussed, students are expected to turn the work in by the due date. 

Calendar

Additional Information

Class Policies:

1. Exams cannot be made up, except for documented excused absences: You must communicate with me prior to the exam in order to be eligible to take a make up exam.

2. Homework assignments are due at the beginning of class: Late assignments will not be accepted except for documented excused absences (official school functions, note from a doctor, Student Health Services, a court of law, etc.). In order for a late homework assignment to be accepted, it must be turned in within one week of the due date with documentation securely attached.

Regarding all exams and assignments, please communicate with Ms. Roberts through email or Blackboard for any potential need for extensions.