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MUSC 146

I. Course Title: Songwriting 1: Introduction to Songwriting (GE)

II. Course Number: MUSC 146

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: None

V. Course Description: 

An introductory study of song forms, melodies, harmonies, and lyrics and their application to pop, rock, hip-hop, country and other trends in commercial music, as well as composition of songs in commercial music styles.

Note(s): General Education and Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

This course offers students an opportunity to explore commercial music and the trends and parameters that guide the writing of popular songs. Students will gain a historical overview of the development of popular songs as well as study current song craft and musical characteristics.

1. Songwriting Overview

  • a. Purposes for Writing Songs
  • b. Characteristics of Commercial Songs
  • c. Following and Breaking Writing Rules
  • d. Development of Popular Songs and Songwriting

2. Craft of Songwriting

  • a. Song Form and Structure
  • b. Melody Writing
  • c. Constructing Harmony
  • d. Lyric Writing
  • e. Importance and Function of Rhyme 
  • f. Point of View
  • g. Finding and Developing Ideas
  • h. Tools for Capturing Ideas

3. Creative Writing

  • a. Object Writing
  • b. Clich茅-Free Writing
  • c. Mining for Titles
  • d. Writing Opening Lines

4. Songwriting and Song Composition

  • a. Title-directed Writing
  • b. Theme-directed Writing
  • c. Free Writing
  • d. Introduction to Cowriting and Collaboration
  • e. Songwriting for Music Therapy

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

The course will make use of interactive lectures, readings, music listening and analysis, student projects, and exams. Class projects will provide students with the chance to gain hands-on experience. The student will examine, analyze and compose commercial songs through application of course concepts.

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

The goal of this course is for the student to gain a detailed and comprehensive understanding of commercial songs and commercial songwriting techniques.

Learning Outcomes

  1. An understanding and working knowledge of songwriting techniques and theories as applied to commercial music and songs (1 and 2).
  2. A demonstrated knowledge of the ability to apply relevant commercial songwriting theories and techniques to create commercially viable songs (3 and 4).
  • Learning Outcome 1 will be fulfilled with Course Learning Description and Content 1 and 2
  • Learning Outcome 2 will be fulfilled with Course Learning Description and Content 3 and 4

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Students will be assessed via their regular attendance, class participation, weekly assignments, exams, and writing exercises and projects. Students will be required to demonstrate their understanding of course concepts through exams and completion of class projects. Projects will require students to demonstrate creative thought and writing ability based on concepts and techniques introduced in class.

Review and Approval

March 01, 2021

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