Expository Essay: This is Your Brain on Music

Cognitive scientist Steven Pinker has argued that music is simply a byproduct of language, no more than an evolutionary “spandrel.” And he has dismissed music as “auditory cheesecake,” which “just happens to tickle several important parts of the brain in a highly pleasurable way, as cheesecake tickles the palate.” In fact, he claims that, “as far as biological cause and effect are concerned, music is useless.” Daniel J. Levitan takes the opposite view of music and, in This is Your Brain on Music, he attempts to refute Pinker’s theory by citing some of the latest cognitive science. In a concise essay, briefly outline some of Levitan’s key rebuttals of Pinker’s argument about music. Cite specific evidence from This is Your Brain on Music  to support your thesis.

Note: Levitan's official website includes an extensive playlist of songs mentioned in the book, along with an explanation of the musical concept illustrated in each. Find the list here.

Requirements:

• MLA Style, including parenthetical citation
• 2-3-page minimum
• Include a works cited page

Due: Thu 11.5

 

Music News 10.29.15

• Kanye West releases silent film in support of his clothes line (Rolling Stone)
• Ricky Martin joins Taylor Swift for a rendition "Livin' La Vida Loca" at her Miami show  (Socialite Life)
• Rhianna joins Luc Besson's next film (New Music Express)
• Justin Bieber walks out of awkward Spanish-language interview (Entertainment Weekly) 
• Sam Smith taking a break because "it feels right" (New York Daily News)
• Siri coming to Apple Music on the new Apple TV (VentureBeat)

Reflection 6: A Little Mood Music—Creating an Annotated Playlist

Regardless of the situation, there are always songs that fit it just right. Whether you require a romantic mood, a little inspiration, or if you just want to forget your troubles, music exists to enhance those and any other experience. For this reflection, you will create a playlist of at least six songs to fit one of the following situations. Additionally, you must annotate each song in 2-3 sentences. Your annotations should explain your rationale for their inclusion. When compiling your playlist consider the role music plays in the situation? Is it central to the experience or better in the background? What kind of mood are you hoping to evoke? What kinds of music do people typically play in this situation and does your playlist offer any surprises?

Based upon your month of birth, create an annotated playlist of at least six songs for one of the following:

1. January—A cold and rainy day: What's the best music for staying indoors on a chilly and wet winter's day? 
2. February—A romantic dinner for two: Love is in the air; how do you enhance the mood with music?
3. March—Spring cleaning: It's time to give the house a good scrubbing; what music will motivate you to get the job done?
4. April—Working out: Swimsuit weather is around the corner; which songs will push you toward your goals?
5. May—A Cinco de Mayo party: You're hosting a few friends for a casual Cinco de Mayo party; how will your playlist keep the party caliente?
6. June—Studying for finals: Time to get serious about hitting the books; which songs can keep you the most focused?
7. July—Celebrating the Fourth: It's America's birthday, how will you show your musical pride?
8. August—A road trip: You're taking to the road; what songs will inspire a spirit of adventure?
9. September—The dog days of summer: It's end of summer is in sight, but it's not leaving without one final heat wave; what music will help you beat the heat?
10. October—A Halloween party: All Hallows' Eve is upon us; what's a frightfully good playlist that will keep your party going?
11. November—Fall back for fall:The time change has been rough to for you to adjust to; what are some songs to inspire restful sleep?
12. December—A holiday dinner party: Friends are coming over for festive dinner; which songs will be most ring in the spirit of the season for your guests?

Required:

• Must be in MLA Style
• Must be one full page in length

Due: Wed. 10.4

Week 11: Vince Guaraldi

Vince Guaraldi Trio, "Great Pumpkin Waltz" (1965)

Week 11:Vince Guaraldi
Tu 10.27/Th 10.29
Read: BRAIN—“What Makes a Musician?” – “The Music Instinct”
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: REFLECTION 6

Upcoming:

Week 12: Justin Timberlake
Tu 11.3/Th 11.5
Class: English Dept. Assessment; Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: EXPOSITORY (ANNOTATED—INSTRUCTIONS TO BE GIVEN IN CLASS PRIOR TO DUE DATE)

Music News 10.24.15

• Adele drops surprise single, "Hello," from forthcoming album, smashes records (Billboard)
• Madonna's fans take to the streets of Portland (Oregonian)
• How kids can learn to love classical music (Guardian)
• Wale: Frank Ocean only won a Grammy because he's gay (HollywoodLife)
• Prince joins Instagram (New York Daily News)
• Prince Jackson kicks off speculation that Michael Jackson was not his father (Daily Mirror) 

 

Multimedia Presentations, Sec. 63 (Updated Schedule)

Find the details of the assignment here.

Week 11: TU 10.27/TH 10.29

1. Ryan T. and Daniela O. - Grease is the Word: Legacy of a Legendary Musical
2. Lachlan W. and Lily C. – There’s a Light: Inside The Rocky Horror Picture Show
3. Thomas P. and Leilani S. - Blonde Ambition: Thirty Years of Madonna

Week 12: TU 11.3/TH 11.5

1. Marlen M. and Ali B. - Sistas of Hip Hop: From Lady B to Nicki Minaj 
2. Lori W. and Huy T. - MTV: The First Decade 

Week 13: TU 11.10/TH 11.12

1. Chris L. and Carolyn C. – The Movie Musical Comes Back: Moulin Rouge!, Dreamgirls, and Les Miserables
2. Suyash G. and Harrison L. - Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper, and the Day the Music Died  

Week 14: TU 11.17/TH 11.19

1. Cuc P. and Mariah R. - The World of Bollywood Musicals
2. Gabrielle T. and Karen M. - Explicit Content: The History of the Parental Advisory Label 

Week 15: TU 11.24

1. Azaian C. and Andre F. - Totally Bitchin’: All about New Wave

Week 16: TU 12.1/TH 12.3

1. Victoria T. and Alex T. - Masters of the Music Video: Spike Jonze, Hype Williams, and Mark Romanek 
2. Anthony M. and Mory N. - Go, Man Go: Inside West Side Story 

 

Multimedia Presentations, Sec. 38 (Updated Schedule)

Find the details of the assignment here.

Week 11: TU 10.27/TH 10.29

1. Ashley C. and Shawndina M. – What is K-Pop?
2. Aarti S. and Julian F. - There’s a Light: Inside The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Week 12: TU 11.3/TH 11.5

1. Kiera E. and Maria B. - Blond Ambition: Thirty Years of Madonna
2. Alex P. and Caitlin T. – Explicit Content: The History of the Parental Advisory Label

Week 13: TU 11.10/TH 11.12

1. Shruti S. and Jennifer N. – Masters of the Music Video: Spike Jonze, Hype Williams, and David Fincher
2. Lennon K. and Allie M. - Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper, and the Day the Music Died

Week 14: TU 11.17/TH 11.19

1. Juan T. and Akhil K. – The Drop: Inside EDM?
2. Alfonso D. and Emma D. – It's Like Totally Bitchin’: All about New Wave

Week 15: TU 11.24

1. Julie H. and Seni M. - Woodstock: Three Days of Peace and Music
2. Steve F. and Natalie G. - Sistas of Hip Hop: From Lady B to Nicki Minaj

Week 16: TU 12.1/TH 12.3

1. Eli M. and Elvys D. - Inside the Bollywood Musical

 

Week 10: Stephen Sondheim

Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter, "A Little Priest" from Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Week 10: Stephen Sondheim
Tu 10.20/Th 10.22
Read: BRAIN—“Anticipation” – “After Dessert, Crick was Still Four Seats Away from Me”
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Watch—“Why Music Moves Us” (The Agenda with Steve Paikin); Lecture—"The Most Common Grammatical Errors—And How to Avoid Them"
Due: REFLECTION 5

Upcoming:

Week 11:Vince Guaraldi
Tu 10.27/Th 10.29
Read: BRAIN—“What Makes a Musician?” – “The Music Instinct”
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: EXPOSITORY (ANNOTATED—INSTRUCTIONS TO BE GIVEN IN CLASS PRIOR TO DUE DATE)

Music News 10.17.15

• T.I. on Hillary Clinton's presidential candidacy: "Not to be sexist, but I can’t vote for the leader of the free world to be a woman." (Vibe)
• Virginia family builds extravagant Halloween light show display to Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis' "Downtown" (Time)
• Kanye West drops in on American Idol auditions (Taste of Country)
• MTV India to curate  Apple Music's Bollywood and Indian playlists (Medianama)
• Leaked: A surprise Justin Bieber-Selena Gomez duet (Billboard)
• Does One Direction's "Perfect" steal from Taylor Swift's "Style"? (New Music Express)

Reflection XX | All On My Own—On Breakup Songs

At one time or another, all of us will feel the sting of a painful breakup. And when we're in the grips of heartache, we most often turn to music for comfort. Yet, it's not usually cheerful, uplifting music that gets us through our darkest moments. Instead, it's sad songs that routinely makes us feel better. Why? Why do we take comfort in maudlin songs when we're feeling lonely to begin with? What is it about hearing about other people's misery that makes us somehow feel better? Are there certain elements that make up a perfect breakup song? And if you've ever found yourself at the raw end of a breakup, what music got you through the pain? Do you have a go-to song for a breakup? If so, what is it and how does it help you cope?

Here are a dozen iconic breakup songs to get you in the (sad) mood, but feel free to use any songs you like:

• Toni Braxton, "Un-Break My Heart"
• Bill Withers, "Ain't No Sunshine"
• ABBA, "The Winner Takes it All"
• Jewel, "You Were Meant for Me"
• Candace Glover, "I Who Have Nothing" [Tom Jones cover]
• Jim Croce, "Operator (That's Not the Way it Feels)"
• Patsy Cline, "She's Got You"
• Elvis Presley, "You Were Always on My Mind"
• Roy Orbison, "Crying" 
• Sinéad O'Connor, "Nothing Compares 2 U" [Prince cover]
• Elton John, "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word"
• Adele, "Someone Like You"

Include at least three of the following in your discussion:

• "How Listening to 'Sad Songs' Heals the Blues" (Telegraph)
• "Five Scientific Reasons Why Breakups are Devastating" (Huffington Post)
• "Why Do Breakup Songs Hurt So Good?" (How Stuff Works)
• "Here are Ten Break Up Songs That Will Make You Feel Better. What Other Song Made You Feel Better About It?" (Reddit)
• "Why Do We Need Breakup Songs? Aren't We Suffering Enough?" (NPR)
• "The 20 Most Poignant Breakup Songs" (Billboard)

Requirements:

• Must be in MLA Style
• Must be two full pages in length
• Must include a works cited page

Due: Thu 10.22

Week 9: Amy Winehouse

Mark Ronson (Ft. Amy Winehouse), "Valerie"

Week 9: Amy Winehouse
Tu 10.13/Th 10.15
Read: BRAIN—“I Love Music and I Love Science—Why Would I Want to Mix the Two?” – “Behind the Curtain”
Class: CLOSE READ; Reading discussion; Presentations; Lecture—“Close Reads: A How-To”

Upcoming:

Week 10: Stephen Sondheim
Tu 10.20/Th 10.22
Read: BRAIN—“Anticipation” – “After Dessert, Crick was Still Four Seats Away from Me”
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Watch—“Why Music Moves Us” (The Agenda with Steve Paikin); Lecture—"The Most Common Grammatical Errors—And How to Avoid Them"
Due: REFLECTION 5

Music News 10.8.15

• Sam Smith debuts video for "Writing's on the Wall" from Spectre (Time)
• Paparazzi snap nude photos of a vacationing Justin Bieber (People)
• Lady Gaga checks into American Horror Story: Hotel (USA Today)
• 50 Cent says Empire's ratings are down because of too much "gay stuff" (Huffington Post)
• Some US radio stations are already playing Christmas music (Digital Music)
• James Corden, John Stamos, and Julianne Moore star in a Taylor Swift-inspired soap opera (Daily Mirror)

•  

Close Read Playlist: Female Singer-Songwwriters

Choose one of the following songs for next week's in-class close read:

1. Anaïs Mitchell, "Wedding Song" (Anaïs Mitchell, 2010)
2. Dolly Parton, "Jolene" (Dolly Parton, 1973)
3. Hole, "Doll Parts" (Courtney Love, 1994)
4. Erykah Badu, "Tyrone" (Erykah Badu and Norman "Keys" Hurt, 1997)
5. k.d. lang, "Trail of Broken Hearts" (k.d. lang and Ben Mink, 1989) Mariah Carey, "Vision of Love" (Mariah Carey and Ben Margulies, 1988)
6. Bobbie Gentry, "Ode to Billie Joe" (Bobbie Gentry, 1967)
7. Alicia Keys, "Fallin'" (Alicia Keys, 2001) 
8. Corinne Bailey Rae, "Like a Star" (Corinne Bailey Rae, 2005)
9. Loretta Lynn, "Don't Come Home A' Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind)" (Loretta Lynn and Peggy Sue, 1967)
10. Carole King, "You've Got a Friend" (Carole King, 1971)
11. Tracy Chapman, "Fast Car" (Tracy Chapman, 1987) 
12. Norah Jones, "Come Away With Me" (Norah Jones, 2002) 
13. 10,000 Maniacs, "What's the Matter Here?" (Natalie Merchant and Robert Buck, 1987)
14. Kate Bush, "This Woman's Work" (Kate Bush, 1989)
15. Adele, "Chasing Pavements" (Adele and Eg White, 2008)
16. Sade, "Jezebel" (Sade Adu and Stuart Matthewman, 1985)
17. Cyndi Lauper, "Time After Time" (Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman, 1983)
18. Joni Mitchell, "Both Sides Now" (Joni Mitchell, 1967)
19. Yoko Ono, "Yes, I'm Your Angel" (Yoko Ono, 1980)
20. Taylor Swift, "Begin Again" (Taylor Swift, 2012)
21. Regina Spektor, "Fidelity" (Regina Spektor, 2006)
22. Tori Amos, "Cornflake Girl" (Tori Amos, 1994)
23. Jewel, "You Were Meant for Me" (Jewel Kilcher and Steve Poltz, 1996)
    
24. Katie Melua, "Halfway Up the Hindu Kush" (Katie Melua and Mike Batt, 2005) 
25. Sarah McLachlan, "Adia" (McLachlan and Pierre Marchand, 1997)
 

Week 8: Journey

Journey, "Lights" (1978)

Week 8: Journey
Tu 10.6/Th 10.8
Listen: DB—Iconic Female Songwriters music primer
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Lecture—“On Wordiness: Exercises”
Due: REFLECTION 4

Upcoming:

Week 9: Amy Winehouse
Tu 10.13/Th 10.15
Read: BRAIN—“I Love Music and I Love Science—Why Would I Want to Mix the Two?” – “Behind the Curtain”
Class: CLOSE READ; Reading discussion; Presentations; Lecture—“Close Reads: A How-To”

Music News 10.1.15

• Katie Perry groped by fan onstage in Brazil (Rolling Stone)
• Jakob Danger, son of Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, releases solo album (New Music Express)
• What have we done to deserve this?: Honey Boo Boo debuts rap single (Daily Mail)
• Coachella organizers eye new festival in New York (KTLA)
• Carly Rae Jepson to play Frenchy in FOX's Grease: Live (Variety)
• Music video of the week: Lana Del Ray's "Music to Watch Boys To" (Rolling Stone)