This course will introduce students to the range of ways in which we use words to describe music. It is an important enabling course both for students wishing to pursue music research, and for those wanting to develop their skills in writing for the music profession. The course analyses particular examples of such writing such as music history, analysis, ethnomusicology, journalism, program notes, blogs, educational texts, and grant applications.  As well as giving practical examples and learning opportunities in these writing modes, the course also considers some of the theoretical issues in the positioning of discourse.  Learning and teaching activities will include lectures, tutorials and the preparation of a writing portfolio.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. describe various methods for writing about music in a variety of styles;
2. apply these methods to a number of specific musical cases for a variety of audiences;
3. demonstrate listening and observation/participation skills to discern how to write about specific kinds of musical works and events;
4. demonstrate research, analysis, discussion and writing skills through written assessment tasks; and
5. write about the creative practice of a student or member of staff of the School of Music.

Recommended Resources

Bellman, Jonathan. A Short Guide to Writing About Music. New York: Longman, 2000.

Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research. 3^rd Edition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2008.

Bowell, Tracy and Gary Kemp. Critical Thinking: A Concise Guide. London: Routledge, 2005.

Cowdery, James R. How to Write About Music: The RILM Manual of Style. 2^nd ed., New York: RILM, 2006.

Herbert, Trevor. Music in Words: A Guide to Researching and Writing About Music. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009.

Royal, Brandon. The Little Red Writing Book: 20 Powerful Principles of Structure, Style and Readability. Cincinnati: F and W Media, 2007.

Sampsel, Laurie J. Music Research: A Handbook. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009.

Tredinnick, Mark. The Little Red Writing Book. Sydney: UNSW Press, 2006.

Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers. 7^th Edition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007.

Wingell, Richard. Writing About Music: An Introductory Guide. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1997.

Staff Feedback

Feedback will be a combination of verbal/in-person and annotated/written.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Written work should be appropriately referenced according to the Chicago Style system. Please see the links below for further information:

Chicago: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html For general information on referencing styles, see:

https://academicskills.anu.edu.au/resources/handouts/referencing-style-guides

For details on the formatting of footnotes and bibliographic entries, consult the following:

ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre website: https://academicskills.anu.edu.au/

The Chicago Manual of Style Online, “Chicago-Style Citation Quick Guide,” University of Chicago, 2007. https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Lecture/Seminar: Introduction to the course. Why we write about music. Exploration of music reference sources and online research tools. Tutorial/Workshop: Writing and research skills workshop (including assessment components).
2	Lecture/Seminar: What is music criticism? What is analytical/critical reading? Assessing writing about music. Tutorial/Workshop: Readings discussion roundtable (Concert/Events Reviews). Writing and research skills workshop (including assessment components).
3	Lecture/Seminar: Album reviews. Tutorial/Workshop: Readings discussion and student selected readings roundtable (Album reviews). Writing and research skills workshop (including assessment components) and peer feedback on Draft of Annotated Bibliography.	Draft of Annotated Bibliography due before tutorial.
4	Lecture/Seminar: Interviews. Interviewing skills and techniques. Tutorial/Workshop: Readings discussion (Interviews) and student selected readings roundtable. Writing and research skills workshop (including assessment components) and peer feedback on Writing Portfolio Task 1.	Writing portfolio task 1 due before tutorial.
5	Lecture/Seminar: Academic articles. What is Musicology? Musicological research and discourse. Tutorial/Workshop: Readings discussion (Academic articles). Writing and research skills workshop (including assessment components) and peer feedback on writing portfolio task 2.	Writing portfolio task 2 due before tutorial.
6	Lecture/Seminar: Newspapers/Magazine articles. Tutorial/Workshop: Readings discussion (Newspapers/Magazine articles) and student selected readings roundtable. Writing and research skills workshop (including assessment components).	Student selected reading/s analysis (non-graded) Analytical/Critical Essay topic and format must be approved this week Task 2: Annotated Bibliography due (2 April)
7	Lecture/Seminar: Podcasts/Radio Tutorial/Workshop: Readings discussion (Podcasts/Radio) and student selected readings roundtable. Writing and research skills workshop (including assessment components).	Student selected reading/s analysis (non-graded).
8	Lecture/Seminar: Sleeve/Liner Notes Tutorial/Workshop: Readings discussion (Sleeve/Liner Notes) and student selected readings roundtable. Writing and research skills workshop (including assessment components) and review of writing portfolio task 3.	Writing portfolio task 3 due before tutorial
9	Lecture/Seminar: Program Notes. Tutorial/Workshop: Readings discussion (Sleeve/Liner Notes) and student selected readings roundtable. Writing and research skills workshop (including assessment components) and review of writing portfolio task 4.	Writing portfolio task 4 due before tutorial
10	Lecture/Seminar: Blogs and Social Media Tutorial/Workshop: Readings discussion (Blogs and Social Media) and student selected readings roundtable. Writing and research skills workshop (including assessment components).	Student selected reading/s analysis (non-graded).
11	Lecture/Seminar: Listicles and Playlists. Tutorial/Workshop: Student oral presentations (5 minutes) with 5 powerpoint slides.	Presentation powerpoint slides due before tutorial. Task 3: Completed Writing Portfolio due (May 20).
12	Lecture/Seminar: Funding and funding applications. Guest Lecturer (TBA ) Tutorial/Workshop: Writing Grant Applications Exercise.	Task 4: Analytical/Critical Essay due (27 May)

Tutorial Registration

Students must choose one of the following three tutorial times and register on Wattle:

Tuesday 4pm -5pm

Wednesday 11am-12pm

Wednesday 12pm-1pm

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Participation	10 %	*	1, 2, 3, 4
Annotated Bibliography	10 %	02/04/2021	1, 2, 3, 4
Writing Portfolio	40 %	20/05/2021	1, 2, 3, 4
Analytical/Critical Essay	40 %	27/05/2021	1, 2, 3, 4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are expected to participate in weekly lectures and tutorials. Active participation is essential for this course. You should prepare for class meetings by completing the assigned readings and taking thorough notes. You are expected to actively contribute to discussions, small group activities, other in-class activities and the online forum. You are expected to listen actively to other students’ ideas, and to respond constructively and thoughtfully.  

Assessment Task 1

Participation

This course is highly participatory with students required to present and critique each other’s work in a collaborative learning environment. This will include active engagement in peer-to-peer feedback and group work and contribution the online forum.

Assessment Criteria:

The Participation task will be assessed in relation to the following criteria:

• Frequency of participation in discussions and other in-class activities
• Evidence of preparation
• Evidence of listening skills
• Contribution to online class forum

Value: 10%

Due date: Ongoing

Assessment Task 2

Annotated Bibliography

Students are required to complete a bibliography of between 15 and 20 sources pertaining to their Analytical/Critical Essay (Assessment Task 4). The bibliography should be formatted in Chicago Style, and each reference should also include dot-points with some comments on the authority and the relevance of each source.

Assessment Criteria:

The Annotated Bibliography task will be assessed in relation to the following criteria:

• Demonstrated ability to make effective use of appropriate research resources in the collection of relevant sources
• Demonstrated understanding of appropriate formatting of a bibliography in Chicago Style
• Demonstrated ability to effectively evaluate and critique the authority and relevance of sources.

Word limit: 15-20 entries, with short dot-point comments on each

Value: 10%

Presentation requirements: Uploaded to Turnitin, and formatted in Chicago Style

Assessment Task 3

Writing Portfolio

Students are to complete four short (400 word) pieces of writing reflecting on and critiquing set readings for specific weeks. The four pieces of writing which make up the portfolio are due progressively in weeks 4, 5 8, 9 (see course schedule). Each component should be uploaded to the course blog prior to attending the tutorial for that week. 

Students are required to present two of their pieces of writing during weekly tutorials. Sign up slots for tutorial presentations are available via the course Wattle site.  

Assessment Criteria:

The Writing Portfolio will be assessed in relation to the following criteria:

• Demonstrated understanding of the purposes of different approaches to writing about music
• Demonstrated ability effectively apply different approaches to writing about music
• Demonstrated ability to disseminate ideas regarding musical works or ideas through words
• Demonstrated ability to support ideas regarding music through research (Chicago style references).

Word limit: 400 words for each task (1600 words total).

Value: 40%

Presentation requirements: Uploaded to Turnitin, and formatted in Chicago Style

Due date: May 20

Assessment Task 4

Analytical/Critical Essay

Details of task:

Students are required to complete an analytical/critical essay that examines a chosen musical topic in a selected format (as approved by Lecturer by the end of week 6). The essay should present a detailed in-depth examination of the chosen topic, which may include an analytical perspective (where relevant analytical techniques are applied) and/or a critical and contextual perspective (where relevant ideas, theories and historical perspectives are applied). Chicago style referencing, with footnotes and bibliography is required.

This assessment item is designed to emulate a real life writing situation, and as such, students may choose from a range of different formats of writing, based on their own interests. Students may choose from: Academic article, Newspaper/Magazine article, Blog post, Listicle, Podcast (transcript should include references), Interview (transcript should include references), Concert/Event/ Album review, Program note, Liner/Sleeve note or other format, as approved by Lecturer.

Research and writing for the Essay will be supported through in-class learning activities, and students are required to discuss their research and drafts of essays in Tutorial/Workshops for formative feedback, and research and writing support.

The Analytical/Critical Essay will form the basis of the 5 minute Oral Presentation in Tutorial/Workshops - Weeks 11/12

Assessment Criteria:

The analytical/critical essay will be assessed in relation to the following criteria:

• Demonstrated ability to formulate a concise topic (and essay title) that facilitates exploration and discussion of a specific aspect of music (music, musicians, music-making, music performance)
• Clarity and structure of writing as relevant to the selected writing genre/style
• Demonstrated evidence of individual research, and use, interpretation and understanding of a range of sources displaying breadth and depth of research relevant to the chosen topic
• Demonstrated evidence of analysis and/or critical analysis relevant to the chosen topic
• Articulation of a well-developed, cohesive and substantiated research argument relevant to the chosen topic, supported through references to relevant sources
• Quality of writing, referencing and bibliography (Chicago Style).

Value: 40%

Word limit: 3000 - 3500 words

Presentation requirements: Uploaded to Turnitin, and formatted in Chicago Style

Due date: May 20

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

Assignments are submitted using Turnitin in the course Wattle site. You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records.

Hardcopy Submission

N/A

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Feedback on submitted coursework will be sent to students through Wattle.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

You may not resubmit assignments for this course.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students