SONGWRITING

Syllabus

 

 

Instructor:  Dr. Vicky V. Johnson

Email: vjohnson@tarleton.edu

Phone: Ext 9238

 

 

Course Outline 

 

SYLLABUS

For week by week description of requirements, assignments, and assessments, refer to the Course Outline at the following link:

http://vickyjohnson.altervista.org/Songwriting.htm

Course Description: 

 

Students will study components of songwriting including writing lyrics, composing melodies, and adding harmony.  Students will then compose original songs in the spirit of singer/songwriters of note. Students will perform their original compositions in selected venues, with special attention given to performance skills and communicating through their original compositions.

 

This seminar course is being conducted as an applied learning experience.  The student learning outcomes expected from applied learning experiences are as follows:

 

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Students will analyze how this applied learning experience enabled them to apply what they learned from their courses, both in major and core curriculum areas, and from their extracurricular experiences to the real world.

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

 

 

Required Texts and Materials: 

 

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Rhyming dictionary of your choice

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Students will provide their own accompaniment instruments other than piano

bullet Staff paper

 

 

Recommended resources:

 

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Song Writing by Stephen Citron (ISBN 0-87910-137-7)

 

 

Course Work Includes:

 

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Listening to a variety of styles and genres of songs for the purpose of analysis and understanding of elements employed

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Assignments associated with lyric writing, melody composition, and harmonization

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Original song compositions

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Development of an e-portfolio which will include the original song compositions (both lead sheets and video or audio),  and written reflections of the process and product

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Live performances of the original song compositions

 

 

Student Learning Outcomes:

   

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

 

 

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 Identify social and cultural issues currently driving different areas of the popular music industry.

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Identify American influences in world popular music and world music influences on American popular music.

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Write song lyrics in appropriate poetic form

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Compose lyrics in poetic form, using appropriate rhythmic flow and rhyme schemes

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Compose melodies and accompaniment to lyrics

bullet Compose original music and accompaniments in a collaborative process.  Students who play harmonic instruments (specifically piano or guitar) will realize those accompaniments in the composition process
bullet Rehearse the compositions toward an acceptable performance standard and will perform them in appropriate venues.
bullet Present the songs in performance quality
bullet Identify the boundaries of plagiarism and ethical practices in songwriting related to both lyrics and music

 

These student learning outcomes are specific creative applications based upon the Applied Learning Outcomes listed below:

 

Upon successful completion of an undergraduate research applied learning experience the student will be able to:

 

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 Identify and summarize background information related to their research question or problem

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Develop a research plan to address their question or problem

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Collect and interpret data in an attempt to address their question or problem.

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Articulate findings in written or oral form

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Demonstrate awareness of the importance of ethical behavior in conducting research

 

 

Grading

 

    Grades will be determined according to the percentages below:

 

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30% Classroom assignments

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50% Composition assignments and performance of original songs

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10% ALE requirements: ePortfolio, reflection

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10% Participation

 

 

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.  Please see me if you have a special emergency situation requiring this type of communication.

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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

 

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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.

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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

 

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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.

 

Service Learning (information only and will not be an additional requirement for this course)

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In support of Tarleton's core value of service, each student is expected to participate in a service learning experience as part of the Spring term week of service.  This experience will challenge students to be engaged in the local community, address a community need, connect course objectives to the world around you, and involve structured student reflection.  In this service learning experience, you will not only enhance your knowledge and skills, but actively use those skills as you serve your community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Created and maintained by Vicky V. Johnson