Read Healing Songs by Ted Gioia, in the following order: for MONDAY, read the preface and chapters 1, 4, 5, and 10. For THURSDAY, read chapters 2, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Keep basic notes with page numbers about how music has been used for healing around the world. You don't have to note every example; just the "wow" moments: ones that struck you as impressive or innovative or remarkable (the kind of thing you might mention to a friend).
Develop a 2-3 page essay about fear; specifically, about the fear associated with "alternative" healing practices (music, art, movement). Use the following process:
1. Write a paragraph about the things that frighten you, going back to your very first seminar in PMR in fall quarter, when you introduced your buddy to the group (remember that discussion? One of the questions was "what do you fear?"). Now extend that discussion to what you believe frightens many Americans. Remember that fear is often something intangible.
2. In fall quarter, you talked in your papers about how important music was to you, and you learned about the parts of that brain that it affects. Go back to those papers for a few minutes; reread what you wrote. Notice that music is a very powerful tool that causes people to react in profound ways (we talked about that when we were discussing what music does to our sense of joy and sadness). Sean discussed this in fall quarter, when talking about the political control of music and musicians, and in the first week of winter, about music and the spirit. Write a paragraph about music (like fear, another "intangible") as a tool of power.
3. Now ponder and page through your notes from Gioia's book, about how music has been used to heal or unite or divide. Cite several examples (in a coherent way) that you took note of when you first read the book. This is another paragraph.
4. Here's the heart of your essay: why is "mainstream America" afraid of music as a healing tool? Why are people so dismissive of, for example, drums or other instruments in the use of therapy? Note that you can argue for or against music in the use of therapy. Naturally, Sean thinks it's a great thing for therapy, but if you feel differently and you can argue persuasively against it, that's fine. The point here is to be able to argue effectively and from an informed viewpoint about fear, about music and about healing.
5. Spend time with your critique group on Wednesday, comparing examples and ideas and making sure your writing is logical and strong. Debate the importance and effectiveness of titles; talk about what kind of conclusion you'll be writing. Note: WE WILL BE MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (Lecture Hall 3, 11 am). Bring several copies of your draft with you!!
6. Write a conclusion. Don't add any new information here; just summarize your main points and close with a powerful and effective sentence.
7. Now go back to the beginning and write an introduction that makes an assertive point (your thesis statement). Say what you're going to talk about. Add a title that makes good sense. Go through your essay and be sure the paragraphs lead logically from one to the next, and that your essay flows well and makes good points. Check to be certain that every sentence is complete! Is this your very best college-level writing? Is your name on it and that of your seminar leader? Good! Bring this paper with you to Thursday's seminar (January 17) and be prepared to discuss it.
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