MUS 202 - Writing About Music

Units: 3 ; Breadth Area: Second Composition
This course is designed to help students develop academic writing skills in the context of music. Students will learn to analyze, synthesize, evaluate and write critically about topics in music. This class will also address music research tools and resources.

Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: Second Composition
Prerequisites: Completion of GE area A2 with a grade of C-/CR or better.
Strongly Recommended Preparation: MUS 108 and/or MUS 111.
Possible Instructional Methods: Hybrid.
Grading: A-F grading only.
Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Describe the formal and affective qualities of a work of music with clear prose.
Analyze musical concepts in an organized essay, using formal, stylistic, or sociopolitical criteria.
Summarize the ideas of another author (critic, historian, musician) writing about music.
Create a cover letter using appropriate professional criteria.

Second English Composition Learning Outcomes

Write for at least two different audiences (e.g. academic, general, and/or professional).
Engage in writing for specific purposes (e.g. critical thinking, analytical writing, informal writing, and/or research).
Apply critical thinking and logical reasoning in the development and organization of ideas in written texts.
Consider multiple perspectives using primary and/or secondary sources, and when appropriate, incorporate key disciplinary concepts when presenting ideas in writing.
Revise writing with critical feedback provided by the instructor at important junctures throughout the semester in order to improve development, clarity, coherence, and correctness.