For this assignment you are expected to “philosophize” (or to “theorize” or to “think rigorously/critically”) about music in a sustained way. In the process, you will be “applying” (or even just “emulating”) some of what you have been learning through the readings and discussions.

You are expected to do your “philosophizing” by (1) articulating an abstract question about music into which you would like to inquire or an abstract idea (or philosophical claim) about music whose implications you would like to consider and pursue, and then (2) grappling with this question or idea with careful reasoning and rigorous analysis and argumentation, and, as appropriate, by reflecting on your own experiences with music. This should all take place in the form of an essay.

What to Post
You should post a well-reasoned essay of approximately 1000-3000 words. (You may post your text here directly or upload it as a document attachment.)

Make sure that in your essay you make it clear to us (as readers) what question you are inquiring into, what idea you are pursuing, or what point you are trying to argue. Your analysis, exploration, or argument should be coherently sustained and precisely written at an advanced level. You should provide substantive evidence (citing sources appropriately when applicable) and/or credible argumentation to support any individual opinions expressed. When and where relevant, you should make explicit any significant connections to ideas in the readings or other materials that have been considered in the course thus far (or even to the work of other students’). If your work in this essay builds on or elaborates on earlier posts that you have made in the course, you should also engage with any important questions, concerns, or disagreements that have been addressed to you by other students and/or the instructor.

When to Post
You can post this individual essay at any time during the first two weeks of the module. This leaves at least one week for other students to consider responding to your essay.

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