Theory of Pop Music
THEA 229
Spring 2026
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
MUSC 103T |
This class endeavors to introduce students to fundamental music theory topics through analysis of popular music from the 20th and 21st centuries. We will use the work of such artists as The Beatles, Radiohead, Lauryn Hill, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Prince, etc., to teach scales and modes, basic jazz fundamentals, chord progressions, secondary functions, and song form. Besides discussion and in-class analysis, students will build their compositional "toolkit" by studying and discussing compositional techniques, learn how genre is created using theoretical principles, and will be asked to write in those genres through templated compositional exercises. Students will demonstrate theoretical analysis of pop songs in essay form and will learn to transcribe pop songs by ear, notating the chord progressions and melodies. As students progress in their theoretical knowledge, they will practice analyzing their own -- and each other's -- music. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA THEA |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Theater) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
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Examinations and Assignments:
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Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
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Note for Music Majors: This course can fulfil the MUSC103 requirement, but only one cross-listed THEA course can count toward the three required Music Theory credits. If MUSC103 is also completed, then MUSC103T/THEA229 can count as a Music elective beyond the 12 (or 13) required credits. Cross-listed courses are counted in the Major¿s department only, and so MUSC103T/THEA229 can only count as a MUSC course.
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| Instructor(s): Dame,Nathan Baumgartner,Robert Times: .M..... 01:20PM-04:10PM; Location: TBA |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 12 | | SR major: 2 | JR major: 2 | | |
| Seats Available: 12 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 2 | JR non-major: 2 | SO: 4 | FR: 0 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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