Semester Project
Media & Music — Spring
2004
Purpose: This is a semester-long project, divided into several
smaller stages. The final product will represent 45%
of your grade, so it is important that you choose wisely
and develop your project in an interesting way.
Product: The
baseline for your final project is a typed, double-spaced
paper of at least 12 pages, though it may take other forms
and it may be longer. Typeface should be clear and
readable (Times New Roman is recommended), 12 pt. font, 1"
margins, unless you're doing something artistic. It should meet
all the stylistic standards of your chosen genre. You
do not need a separate title page. Keep a backup copy
of your project in all its stages for your records.
The exact nature and requirements
of the project will be determined in each case. Here
are some possibilities:
The "default": A
scholarly essay that advances a thesis about music and media. It
should be based on careful research and/or interpretation,
and deal with significant intellectual questions.
Alternatives:
- A substantial work of music journalism
- A report on a technology, phenomenon or musical
subculture written for a specific audience such as: an
industry group, a branch of government, parents in a school
district, other public bodies.
- A creative multimedia work that explores some aspect
of mediated musical culture.
- A "guide" to a genre or scene for people
who don't know anything about it.
- A curriculum for kids in public schools.
- A grant application for a specific project to be
carried out by you or an organization.
- A business plan for a new studio, performance space,
or other organization.
- A publicity packet and other press materials for
a band.
NOTES:
- Some of the more creative projects will require
a written companion explaining how they apply and develop
concepts from the course.
- You do not have to write a single, long paper. You
can also assemble your work into some kind of portfolio.
- Do something original. I will not accept
papers on file-sharing, CD-burning, the effects of violent
lyrics on children, or other topics that have been done
to death. Also, two students cannot do the same project,
though you are welcome to coordinate your projects with
one another.
BE CREATIVE. Think about
the vast range of activities that Christopher Small describes
as "Musicking." Pick a semester project that
is interesting and useful to you.
Requirements: No matter what path you choose, the final project should
be:
- Polished. This means (at a very minimum):
typo and error-free, well-formatted, nice to look at, paginated,
etc.
- Intellectual. Your project should
reflect a great deal of thought and creativity on your
part. It should make use of ideas from at least three
different weeks (readings and/or class discussions) from
the semester. As appropriate (and especially if you
write an academic paper), your project should also present
logical and cogent arguments.
- Revised. You will get lots of comments
during the semester from me and your classmates. Use
them.
- Organized. It should display logical
and coherent organization.
- Cool. Do something that you are proud
of and that will engage your audience — and me.
Evaluation: Midterms will be graded on a standard university
scale:
90-100 = Rocks my world. Outstanding
in three or more areas, solid in the others.
80-89 = A good
piece of work. Possibly outstanding in one or two areas,
solid in the others.
70-79 = Average
work. Could improve.
60-69 = Lacking
something important.
0-59 = Thanks for playing.
To figure your grade, I
will give you a score of 1-20 in each of the following
areas:
Conceptualization (Is the project well thought out? Developed?)
Ideas/Argument (Is the project intellectually robust? Does it
offer fresh ideas or new takes on old ideas?)
Other Content (research, interviewing, art, etc.)
Style/Creativity/Organization (Is it polished? Did I laugh or cry?)
The "X" Factor (aspects
of the paper not covered by the other four areas)
Date Due: a print copy of the final version of your semester project
is due in my mailbox by noon on Monday, 19th of April. It must also be posted online by 11:59pm on Monday, the 19th of
April.
I will happily read drafts,
but you must print them out and bring them to my office hours
(or make an appointment). I will not read or comment
on drafts emailed to me.
See the handouts for the journals
and midterm for the requirements and due dates specific to
them.
Important Note: Because students rarely pick up their assignments the
following semester, please include an 8.5x11" self-addressed
envelope (no stamp necessary) if you'd like me to send you
comments on your final project. I will not be offended
if you choose not to ask for comments and it will not affect
my evaluation of your work — I just want to make sure
I have an audience before writing up an elaborate response
to your ideas.
