IMP211 - Songwriting II

Subject Title
Songwriting II

Subject Description
This class returns in greater depth to the topics covered in IMP 111, learning how to communicate more effectively through songwriting. Concepts examined include structure, rhyme schemes, payoffs and punch lines, prosody, idea sources, co-writing, writing in (and out) of genres, writing from a title, and more. Classic, contemporary and student songs will be critically analyzed to see how they ?work?, and to help develop the student's personal songwriting aesthetic. There will be some general coverage of  ?a songwriter's life? via the instructor's own experience, as well as the lives of other songwriters. Discussion will touch on the concepts of copyright, performing, mechanical and other rights, as well as music publishing, and will also cover some very basic music theory that all songwriters should know. The student will finish IMP 121 with strong ideas as to why one song might ?speak? to them more than a million others, and how they might apply those ideas to their own songwriting.

Credit Status
Independent Music Production Certificate Program

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1.Employ different structures and rhyme schemes.

2.Seek inspiration in new places, and have writing strategies in place when inspiration strikes.

3.Prepare and complete new songs for presentation.

4.Recognize their own taste and judge – and explain – why songs work the way they do.

5.Perform in small-group situations and hear criticism and commentary with an open mind, using the information offered to improve their writing.

6.Explain the basics of copyright, music publishing, and the various rights songwriters enjoy, as well as understanding co-writing, and the business relationship between the performer and the songwriter.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.