MUS 306 - Writing about Music

Music is a tricky subject for the writer. On the one hand, the technical vocabulary of music studies is specialized such that it is accessible only to the narrowest of audiences. On the other hand, what often seems most important about our experiences with music can feel nearly impossible to capture in words at all. In this writing-intensive course, we will navigate these extremes via the study and practice of writing about music, from general descriptive writing to the many genres of music criticism, journalism, ethnography, memoir, and other creative nonfiction forms. Through conference-style discussion of exemplary work in these areas and regular peer workshopping of our in-progress writing projects, students will cultivate both a critical understanding and practical aptitude regarding the hows and whys of compelling writing about music.

Unit(s): 1
Group Distribution Requirement(s): Distribution Group I
Prerequisite(s): MUS 150
Instructional Method: Conference
Grading Mode: Letter grading (A-F)
Not offered: 2024-25
Group Distribution Learning Outcome(s):

Understand how arguments can be made, visions presented, or feelings or ideas conveyed through language or other modes of expression (symbols, movement, images, sounds, etc.).
Analyze and interpret texts, whether literary or philosophical, in English or a foreign language, or works of the visual or performing arts.
Evaluate arguments made in or about texts (whether literary or philosophical, in English or a foreign language, or works of the visual or performing arts).