Assignments for the seminar will consist of listening, score study, and readings that illuminate the context, history and primary compositional issues associated with spectral music. The assigned readings, listening and analysis corresponds to the chronological period and general topic of the week’s seminar. All readings will be available as pdfs for download. Audio will be distributed in class, on reserve at the arts media library, and streamed from the website. Most scores will also be available as pdfs, but I encourage you to study the large scores on reserve at the arts medial library, especially for works on which you will present.
Grading:
Participation (20%): Part of your course grade will be based on class participation. This includes not only your presence but your preparation: come ready to discuss the required readings, listening and analysis for the class, engage in constructive critiques of them and contextualize your readings and response to the music in relation to broader themes. You will lead at one class discussion, at a date to be chosen during the first week of class. Your presentation should be a considered response to the reading(s) and listening, and not simply a summary. The substance of the presentation will also include a one-page précis (200-400 words) to be posted to the entire class at least 24 hours before the seminar. Think of this précis as a summary of critical thoughts that arise during your reading.
Analysis Assignments (30%): There will be five guided analyses of a piece, movement or section (the score, audio and questions will be provided), due two weeks after I assign it. I will ask 5 or 6 questions about the structure of the piece; if it is covered by one of our readings, feel free to summarize or take issue with the writer’s view of the work. You are encouraged to deposit the result in the eee dropbox, although you may want to bring your answers to class for further discussion.
Class Presentation (15%): Everyone will present a brief presentation on their final research paper during the final two weeks of class.
Research Paper (35%): You will complete a research paper on a topic you choose that must be related to the course content. The paper is due Tuesday March 22, 2017, and should be approximately 8-12 pages, with musical illustrations where appropriate. A one-page typed prospectus of your research topic will be due in week 7. Possible topics are broad, and include an analytic study of a work by either one of the composers we've studied or a work which falls under a the spectral banner, broadly construed, or a study that focuses on a critical, aesthetic or historical issue encountered during our study. You may also choose to critique the published literature on spectral or microtonal music, especially where two or more authors have discussed the same work or topic.
All students are expected to abide by UCI's guidelines on academic honesty