In a 3- 5 page essay, create a thesis and argument centered on a topic, idea, or theory (e.g. sonification, noise, listening) you have studied thus far in class. In your thesis, you should consider at least two class readings that express differing arguments or perspectives on your subject. In the following paragraphs, use class readings, discussions, sound recordings and other media to create a series of secondary arguments to support your thesis. Your essay should contain the following components:

1. Introduction with a thesis statement. First, state an argument or thesis from the class readings and identify its source (e.g. Jacques Attali argues that music, as a form of "noise", heralds coming changes in society and culture. He writes: "…the political organization of the twentieth century is rooted in the political thought of the nineteenth, the latter is almost entirely present in embryonic form in the music of the eighteenth century.") Second, connect it another idea or theory from class (e.g. In his work on noise in European avant-garde movements including Dada and Italian Futurism, Douglas Kahn points out that avant-garde noise "...both marshals and mutes the noise of the other: power is attacked at the expense of the less powerful, and society itself is both attacked and reinforced.”) And then state your own thesis (e.g. Listening to noise both metaphorically and perceptually, I argue that there is no definitive understanding of noise: it mutates and evolves depending on its cultural and historical contexts as well as environmental factors. However, it consistently retains its identity as a 'negative' force in art, music, politics, and other facets of culture.) Follow your thesis with a few sentences that outline the supporting arguments you will develop in the following paragraphs.
2. Supporting paragraphs - in the following 2-3 paragraphs, present the evidence, facts, theories and analyses to support your thesis argument. Use examples from the media (e.g. sound recording, live or documentation of performances, etc.) and academic discussions (e.g. anthropological study, historiography, etc.) we have studied in class thus far to support your argument.  You are required to include at least two examples from class in your discussion, but you can include more. Outside sources, if relevant, can also be introduced to support your thesis argument, but they are not required. Describe, reflect upon, and analyze these media and other examples.  Use your findings to support your argument.  Be specific – include correct titles, dates of production, and names of artists or composers; and describe historical accounts, movements, or other specific details.
3. Include historical information, theories, and other critical frameworks from class readings to help support and develop your argument.  Reference these discussions and debates in the construction of your own argument.  If you are not sure how to do that, look at how the authors we read (e.g. Thompson) reference other scholarship and sources in their articles.  All reference, quotes and sources must have proper citation—use a standard citation format, such as the Chicago or MLA style, in documenting them (see A Writer’s Reference or OWL, or make an appointment at the Writing Center to get feedback)
4. Conclusion - this is where you wrap up your discussion, reconsider your thesis, and end your essay with other conclusive statements.

All papers have to be typed and double-spaced. Please use fonts that are 12 to 10 points in size. The document should have 1 inch margins on the sides, and 1-0.5 inch margins on the top and bottom. Please hand in the assignment in your Sakai Drop Box. All assignments should be in MS Word format (with a ".doc" or ".docx" suffix) Assignments are due by 5PM the day of the deadline.

Your grade will be based on your ability to present and support your argument.  In addition, your description and analysis of media examples, as well as your use of readings and other sources to support your thesis will also be considered in my assessment.  Write simply and clearly.  Look up unclear words before you use them. Spell-check, proof read and edit your paper more than once before handing it in, I highly recommend you bring the paper in to the Writing Center and get feedback on it.

Please turn the paper in on time, and follow the format I outlined: papers that are too long or too short, late papers, hand-written papers, etc. will lower your grade.

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