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"I have to write a research paper
on a topic in Music."
I
  
Students in MUS 101 are required to write two
papers: the Option A paper requires you to select a composition
for listening and to research information about the composer as well as to
review the actual musical selection. The Option B paper will require
you to select a composer or performer and discuss your topic's life, career,
or a combination of both. Each student must do both papers so if you
select Option A for your first paper, you will have to do Option B for your
second paper.
Requirements for both papers include:
- Topic must be either a "classical" or jazz
selection (no pop, rock, rap, or country)
- A minimum of three different sources documented within your
paper--variety is the key--books, encyclopedias, newspapers, journal
articles, appropriate internet sites, etc. These three
sources cannot include only web sites.
- A clear, well-focused thesis statement and
closing statement
- Double-spaced using 12 point font
- Parenthetical references of resources used
within the body of the paper in MLA format
- Working Bibliography in MLA format
- Work Cited Page in MLA format
- You are highly encouraged to have the Academic
Support Center review your paper before you submit it for grading.
You can also make use of
Writing Assistance Online and submit your paper electronically to
the Academic Support Center. You will receive comments, etc.,
within 48 hours.
What is different between the required papers?
Option A papers must:
- Be 3-5 pages in length
- Include two sections--Section I and
Section II
Section I: Give some historical
background on the composer and the
composition.
This section should contain things like:
- When was the composition written?
- Did the composer compose the piece for a
specific event/
- Were there any interesting circumstances
surrounding the composition of the piece?
- What was the public and/or critical reception
of the piece?
- Did the composition receive good reviews and
feedback from the public and the critics?
Section II: Your personal views on the on
the composition. This
section gives you the
chance to talk about what makes the piece
work or not work, in your
opinion, such as:
- What are some of the interesting things the
composer does (dynamics, texture, form, melody, etc)?
- Why, in your opinion, does the composition
deserve to be recognized or not recognized as an important work?
Option B papers must:
- Be 4-6 pages in length
- Discuss a specific composer or performer:
their life, career or a combination of both
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Decide which option you will be doing.
Select your composer and, if the Option A paper is what you will be
working on, select a composition that you will listen to and review.
Submit your topic to your instructor in
WebCt or
in class.
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END OF PART I
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