This course explores the art of songwriting through the lens of American popular music. Students examine landmark songs from multiple eras and create their own original songs in a variety of styles, from classical music, folk music, and Broadway to rock, pop, and a-capella. Through composing and arranging, listening and analysis, students gain insight into the sonic structure and cultural significance of popular music. The course also responds to students' individual interests and performance backgrounds, offering opportunities to write music for vocal ensembles, small groups, singer-songwriter formats, and electronic media.

This seminar will provide an introduction to the discipline of ethnomusicology through an examination of the historical literature and a review of recent scholarship. In keeping with the field's multidisciplinary orientation, we will observe ethnomusicology as a part of wider trends in intellectual inquiry. As such, our discussions of major issues in ethnomusicology will be informed by consideration of related fields, including anthropology, historical musicology, literary theory, folklore, and cultural studies. Seminar members will have the opportunity to explore in depth those issues that are most germane to their own research interests while gaining a broader understanding of ethnomusicology as an academic discipline.