It is through reading that we learn how to write

Through the reading and discussion of both our own work and outside materials, we can uncover the technical and stylistic elements that make each text effective or ineffective; in essence, we will discover how a text works. We can then use these techniques in our own work

It is through reading that we can fully understand and explore our theme

In this class we will not only read text related to music, but will listen to music and even view some film. And we will discuss the various cultural, political, and artistic statements that these texts make. In this way we will expand our understanding of this concept.

It is through reading that we can begin the research process

I've designed reading assignments to begin the process of developing an overall concept of American Musical Life. Students should read them not only for background but as a means of learning how to use resources.

It is through writing that we learn how to write

Because I believe in writing as a series of processes in which work is constantly undergoing developmental changes, evaluation of your ability to write fluently, creatively, and convincingly will be an ongoing process of brainstorming, pre-writing, drafting and revision. You will write drafts of essays, submit them for peer review, re-submit them for individual consultations with the professor, then revise them for a final portfolio due at the end of the semester containing a learning letter, all of your drafts, and most importantly, 15-24 pages of your best work. (goal 1)

It is through writing that we can fully explore our theme and express our ideas

There is no one manifestation or expression of the American Musical Life. Ideally, you will discover what you believe it to be and how you see it operating in our nation and in our individual lives. Writing helps us to clarify, organize, support, and express our ideas. Writing is also an exploratory and playful act in which ideas, images, evidence, develop out of each other, moving the writer to greater understandings. Through writing we not only express what we've discovered, we continue the process of discovery. (goal 2)

Through writing and research we participate in the world of ideas

The process of researching a topic and writing a research paper should never simply involve collecting the observations, ideas, and studies of others and pasting them together in a manner that seems logical. At best it allows us to integrate the ideas others with our own, expand upon them, contradict them, apply them in new ways, or use them as the basis for a new formulation. (goal 3)

1) Discussing our Ideas, Readings and Papers will help us to achieve our goals because

It is through class discussion that we can exchange and refine our ideas

Class discussion not only helps us to understand the readings, it helps us to refine our ideas about our theme and it gives us feedback regarding our ability to express those ideas through written and verbal communication. Finally, it promotes community within the classroom through the development of interpersonal skills.

It is through student presentation that we can exchange, refine, organize, and present our ideas

Student presentations not only extend the classroom community beyond the classroom, they help us develop our theme through the inclusion of material chosen by the students and they get students working on the analytical process.

1) Discussing your Ideas, Readings and Papers with the professor will help us to achieve our goals because

Individual meetings with the professor provide feedback for your own writings and occasionally feedback regarding overall course performance (if requested). I should mention here that at least 3 meetings with the professor are mandatory and that missed appointments on required dates are treated as absences. Students are also encouraged to schedule meetings during my office hours should they wish to meet for a voluntary appointment. "Drop ins" are also encouraged--though I cannot guarantee that I won't be in conference with another student at the time.