Listening / Writing
Language and Music
Thu. 3rd. Period Tim Hemington
Keywords:
Academic English, Discussion, Listening, Presentation, Speaking, Vocabulary, Writing, Music

Delivery: Fully Online

Students learn how to express their opinions creatively in English through responding to music & lyricism. They select music from artists they admire and learn to analyse the lyrics, techniques and patterns in order to establish understanding. Song writing patterns and structures are compared and contrasted and students identify styles and genres. Students identify topics they feel strongly about and explain why these issues are important. They select songs that somehow relate to their chosen topics and deconstruct the lyrics in order to express relevance. Students develop the following English language skills: Listening, Reading, Creative Writing and Interpretation. The core subject is used as a vehicle to examine contemporary issues including: philosophy, psychology, politics, history, theology and globalization and there is a special emphasis on Artists Tackling Global Issues. This course is suitable for students who are comfortable participating in class in English and have an interest in modern music.

Students are expected to: 

  • Openly share opinions. 
  • Develop objective criticality.
  • Contribute to class workshops
  • Deliver Media assisted presentations

Students pass the course when they successfully complete all assigned course work. Final grades will be compiled from attendance, classroom participation, completed assignments, and group presentations. Students are reminded to pay particular attention to university attendance regulations. PLEASE NOTE. Class Interaction via Moodle use is a mandatory course requirement and will be assessed in relation to the final grade. Plagiarism is unacceptable.


This course will focus on helping students to develop listening skills, interpretation, deconstruction, creative writing techniques, presentation techniques and organizational skills. 

Other course objectives include:

  • Developing specific emotive and critical vocabulary related to contemporary expression.
  • Interacting effectively in small groups to prepare presentations.


Class Participation: 20%
Homework: 20%
Presentation 1: 20%
Presentation 2: 20%
Final Assessment: 20%


1

Orientation / Course Overview/ Introductions

2

Genres in Western Music: Associated Global Issues

3

Taste & Quality: What do you like and why do you like it?

4

Presentation Development Workshop / Genres and Styles

5

Group Presentation 1: Genres and Styles

6

Presentation Analysis and Feedback

7

Make Up Class: Saturday, June 6th

Presentation Development Workshop / Artist in Focus

8

Song Structures and Techniques

9

Group Presentations 2: Artists in Profile

10

Presentation Analysis & Feedback

11

Deconstructing Song Lyrics / Establishing Meaning

12

The Role of the Music Video / Class Discussion

13

Presentation Development

14

Final Group Presentations: The Role of the Music Video

15

Special Homework Assignment