MUSC 486

 

Social, Political, and Protest Songs: 

Music with a Message

 

Instructor:  Dr. Vicky V. Johnson

Email: vjohnson@tarleton.edu

Phone: Ext 9238

 

 

 

 

SYLLABUS

Course Description: 

This seminar course is being conducted as an applied learning experience. Students will research pertinent political and social issues, recent and ongoing, local and global.  Selected topics will then be used to compose original songs in the spirit of those singer/songwriters whose music has challenged the status quo and influenced communities toward change.  Students will perform their original compositions in selected venues, with special attention given to placing those performances within the context of the issues addressed in the songs.

 

Required Texts and Materials: 

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There is no text.  Resource materials will be provided by the instructor. 

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Staff paper, notebook, and access to Finale software

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Select students will provide their own accompaniment instruments.

 

Course Work Includes:

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Informal research assignments on current local, national, and global topics

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Original song compositions expressing social and political statements on the above topics

bulletDevelopment of an e-portfolio which will include the original song compositions (both scores and video), and written reflections of the process and product
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Live performances of the original song compositions in appropriate venues

 

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

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Identify political and social issues worthy of creative comment

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Identify and summarize background information related to the political and social issues

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Outline lyrics to apply to song form

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Write song lyrics in appropriate poetic form

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Compose melodies and accompaniment to lyrics

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Present the songs in performance quality

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Articulate how they have applied learning from music theory, political science, history, sociology, and writing in composing music with a message

bulletEvaluate how this applied learning experience has expanded their views of academic, political, social, cultural, and/or economic environments and prepared them to contribute more meaningfully to a global society.

Grading

Grades will be determined according to the percentages below:

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40% Writing assignments

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40% Composition assignments

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10% ePortfolio

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10% Participation and performance

 

Attendance Policy

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Attendance is required.  Absences will only be excused with proper written documentation on letterhead.  This includes a note from a healthcare provider in case of illness or a form signed by a sponsor (presented in advance) in the case of a University sanctioned activity.  Attendance at funerals and court appearances will also be excused with proper documentation.

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Unexcused absences will lower the participation grade according to the number of total times the class meets.  Tardies will count 1/2 that amount.

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A student's absences will not change any deadline or assignment requirement.  You are always responsible for any material you miss, so check the Course Outline and/or a fellow classmate for announcements, assignments, and requirements.

 

Classroom Policy

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No food or drink in the classroom

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Turn off your cell phones and put them out of sight - mine and yours.  Text messaging is prohibited in the classroom.

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Attention will be given to the lesson at hand, or you will be excused from the classroom.  (In other words, no working on other homework, personal business, sleeping, etc.)

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Keep your backpacks and other personal belongings out of the aisles.

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Do not leave the room during class except for emergency.

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If your conduct for any reason is unacceptable, you will be asked to leave.  Do not return to class until you have made an appointment to see me and the situation has been resolved.

 

Academic Conduct

Cheating, plagiarism (submitting another person's materials or ideas as one's own), or doing work for another person who will receive academic credit are all impermissible.  This includes the use of unauthorized books, notebooks, or other sources in order to secure or give help during an examination; the unauthorized copying of examinations, assignments, reports, or term papers; or the presentation of unacknowledged material as if it were the student's work.

Any student caught cheating or plagiarizing will receive a grade of "F" for the class.  Further disciplinary action may also be taken beyond the Department of Fine Arts.  This decision will be mine in consultation with the department head.  Cheating is serious business and the penalties for engaging in this sort of activity will be severe.  Consult the following link for further information on academic conduct as specified in your student handbook.  http://www.tarleton.edu/catalog/academic-information/academic-honesty.html

 

Students With Disabilities Policy

It is the policy of Tarleton State University to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws.  If you are a student with a disability seeking accommodations for this course, please contact Trina Geye, Director of Student Disability Services, at 254.968.9400 or geye@tarleton.edu.  Student Disability Services is located in Math 201.  More information can be found at www.tarleton.edu/sds or in the University catalog.

 

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Created and maintained by Vicky V. Johnson