First-Year Writing Seminar (101-8-1)

Topic

Music and Narrative

Instructors

Michael Dyer Slattery
michaelslattery2020@u.northwestern.edu

Meeting Info

RCMA Lower Level 113: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

We often recognize music as expressively charged, but what stories does it tell? How can music be

meaningful without the specificity of language? This course explores musical meaning—the possibility

of music to express moods, ideas, sensations, and narratives. It focuses on the last of these, musical

narrative, which involves identifying musical features that correspond with elements of story, such as

conflict, plot, and temporality. In pursuit of this goal, we will investigate how musical narrative might

be distinct from other forms of musical meaning and from narratives in other media.


Throughout the quarter, we will take up analytical methods for identifying and describing musical

narratives. The bulk of the course will emphasize the pieces of instrumental classical music—including

works by Beethoven, Berlioz, and Chopin—for and through which these methods were developed.

However, as we navigate how to write about music with specificity, students will be encouraged to

think about the role of narrative in music of all genres, with and without lyrics.


As a first-year writing seminar, this course will emphasize the development of writing skills. These

include formulating thoughtful questions in response to academic work and artistic objects; crafting

appropriate arguments; supporting such arguments with well-cited and thoughtfully selected

evidence; and remaining attentive to grammar, organization, and style in pursuit of a clear authorial

voice.

Registration Requirements

Enrollment is limited to freshmen and sophomores.

Class Materials (Required)

None required for purchase. All course material will be posted to CANVAS.

Class Attributes

WCAS Writing Seminar