Module: Jazz & Contemporary Harmony 3 & 4

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Jazz & Contemporary Harmony 3 & 4
Module Code	MPA1033 (ITS: MC217)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module builds on information covered in MC115 (Jazz and Contemporary Harmony 1 and 2), covering harmonic techniques and systems including major and minor key harmony, continued elaboration of subdominant minor and modal interchange, chord scale theory, individual note analysis of melodies, substitute dominant and related II-7 chords, diminished chord patterns and modulations.

Learning Outcomes

1. Have a thorough knowledge of major and minor key harmony
2. Know the principles of modal interchange
3. Know secondary dominants and chord/scale theory
4. Be aware of chord substitution with particular focus on II-V progressions
5. Have a thorough knowledge of compound chords and modal harmony, pedal point and ostinato

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	48	Weekly, A two-hour group lecture-workshop
Independent Study	77	Written assignments
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11151	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Linda Adams	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Participation	Weekly homework exercises, in-class participation and attendance	20%	Every Week
Assignment	Semester 1 Assignment (Analysis and composition)	40%	Sem 1 End
Assignment	Semester 2 Assignment (Analysis and composition)	40%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Harmony 3
- Continued analysis and application of major and minor key harmony - Continued study of subdominant minor and modal interchange - Chord scale theory - Review of melodic construction and melody/harmony relationship - Individual note analysis of melodies - Substitute dominant and related II-7 chords - Diminished chord patterns - Modulations.

Harmony 4
- Continuation of principles of modern chord progression - Deceptive resolutions of secondary dominants - Dominant 7th chords without dominant function - Contiguous dominant motion - Review of melodic construction - Form and melody/harmony relationship - Modal interchange - Pedal point and ostinato - Modal harmony and modal composition - Compound Chords - Constant structures

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Nettles, Barry: 2007, Harmony 3,, Berklee College of Music,
London, Barbara: 1997, Study Supplement for Harmony 3 and 4,, Berklee College of Music,
Rochinski, Steve: 2001, Harmony 4,, Berklee College of Music,
Ted Pease; edited by Rick Mattingly: 0, Jazz composition, Berklee Press ; c2003., Boston, MA, 0876390017
Mark Levine: 0, The Jazz Theory Book, Sher Music Co., 522, 1883217040

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None