Music Essay

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MUL 1010 Topical Essay Handout

Assignment: Choose a composer and a genre for the topical essay. The composers and genres must be found in the textbook unless approved by the instructor. The instructor must approve the student’s topic selection via CANVAS assignment dropbox titled “Topic Approval” by October 9 (TTH classes) and October 10 (MWF classes). If the student does not receive approval from the instructor, the paper will receive a failing grade. Sample topics include the following:

· J. S. Bach and the fugue

· Mozart and the symphony

· Tchaikovsky and the ballet

· John Williams and film music

Format: Minimum of 800 words (maximum 1000 words) in doc. or docx. format in 12 point Times New Roman or Arial font, double-spaced, typed, and a separate cover page (student’s name) with a title.

The essay is not a report or a biography of the composer. It must focus on the composer and his/her works within the selected genre. The student will compare and contrast two works found within the selected genre by discussing the background/context of the works, stylistic characteristics (using the elements [Chapters 1-3]) and instrumentation (Chapter 3). If the essay does not meet these criteria, it will result in a failing grade.

Viewpoints need to be substantiated, i.e. prove points with intellectual evidence. Citation of three or more credible sources (some internet sources are not reliable such as Wikipedia) by using parenthetical citations or footnotes within the text is required. A bibliography/works cited page must also be included at the end of the document. If the student is not sure how or what to cite, please ask or refer to the “Additional Resources for Topical Essay” handout in their class module. Ignorance is not an excuse and will result in a failing grade.

The student must submit the paper in the “Topical Essay” dropbox on CANVAS under the week of the essay due date’s module by the deadline, Thursday, October 16 (TTH classes) and Friday, October 17th (MWF classes) by the beginning of class.

No late papers will be accepted. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that the document is submitted in a proper and timely manner.

If the paper does not meet the minimum word count, it will receive a zero. Double-check the word count before submission. No resubmissions will be allowed unless it is an extraordinary circumstance.

Papers will be evaluated for organization, originality, clarity, coherence and effectiveness as well as grammar, punctuation, and usage of standard written English. The grading rubric for this essay is found on the last page of this document.

Students are encouraged to come and talk to the instructor about any paper concerns. However, if the student needs to talk to the instructor about his/her grade, please do it in person (no e-mails) no later than 48 hours after the grade posting.

Writing Suggestions

· Papers should have introductions and conclusions.

· Break up long paragraphs for better flow.

· Watch the use of semi-colons and commas.

· Underline or italicize major works such as albums or operas. Smaller works such as songs or separate instrumental pieces are in quotation marks.

· Be careful with capitalization.

· Do not end sentences with prepositions.

· Make sure sentences are coherent and concise.

· Support opinions with substantiation.

· Check the spacing in the paper.

· Look for the use of repeated phrases or words.

· Please number the pages.

· Proofread your paper before submission.

Topical Essay Rubric

	Capstone	Milestones	Benchmark
	(A)	(B)	(C)	(D)
Context of and Purpose for Writing 25%	Demonstrates a thorough understanding of musical context, audience, and purpose that is responsive to the assigned essay criteria and focuses all elements of the work.	Demonstrates adequate consideration of musical context, audience, and purpose and a clear focus on the assigned essay criteria (e.g., the task aligns with audience, purpose, and context).	Demonstrates awareness of musical context, audience, purpose, and to the assigned essay criteria (e.g., begins to show awareness of audience's perceptions and assumptions).	Demonstrates minimal attention to musical context, audience, purpose, and to the assigned criteria(s) (e.g., expectation of instructor or self as audience).
Content Development 30%	Able to identify music terminology and concepts at a superior level. Provides good support of the topic and covers the topic in-depth.	Able to identify music terminology and concepts at an above average level. Provides sufficient support of the topic and mostly covers the topic.	Able to identify music terminology and concepts at an average level. Provides barely sufficient support of the topic and lacks coverage on the topic in parts of the essay.	Able to identify music terminology and concepts at a below average level. Provides insufficient support of the topic and lacks coverage on the topic in the whole essay.
Genre and Disciplinary Conventions 15%	Demonstrates detailed attention to and successful execution of a wide range of conventions particular to the music discipline and/or writing task (s) including organization, content, presentation, formatting, and stylistic choices.	Demonstrates consistent use of important conventions particular to the music discipline and/or writing task(s), including organization, content, presentation, and stylistic choices.	Follows expectations appropriate to the music discipline and/or writing task(s) for basic organization, content, and presentation.	Attempts to use a consistent system for basic organization and presentation within the assigned writing task.
Sources and Evidence 15%	Demonstrates skillful use of high-quality, credible, relevant sources to develop ideas that are appropriate for the music discipline. The sources are cited properly within the text and the essay contains a works cited/bibliography page (using APA, MLA, or Turabian format.)	Demonstrates consistent use of credible, relevant sources to support ideas that are situated within the music discipline. The sources are cited properly within the text and the essay contains a works cited/bibliography page (using APA, MLA, or Turabian format.)	Demonstrates an attempt to use credible and/or relevant sources to support ideas that are appropriate for the music discipline. The sources are cited partially within the text and the essay contains a works cited/bibliography page (using APA, MLA, or Turabian format.)	Demonstrates an attempt to use questionable sources to answer questions within the assigned essay. The sources are not cited properly within the text and the essay contains a works cited/bibliography page (using APA, MLA, or Turabian format.)
Control of Syntax and Mechanics 15%	Uses graceful language that skillfully communicates meaning to listeners with clarity and fluency. Comprehension and conveyance of musical terminology and concepts is virtually error-free.	Uses straightforward language that generally conveys meaning to listeners. Comprehension and conveyance of musical terminology and concepts has few errors.	Uses language that generally conveys meaning to listeners with clarity, although comprehension and conveyance of musical terminology and concepts may include some errors.	Uses language that sometimes impedes meaning because of errors in usage of musical terminology and concepts.