Analysis Paper Introduction and Rubric:
Introduction:
The Analysis Paper is a short (4-6 page) paper for upper-level music history courses. The topic is always a specific musical work and the paper is in two sections: 1) background: style, place in the composer's development, important or interesting aspects of the work; and 2) analysis: a structural overview of the work (or section) presented in a combination of prose description referring to an accompanying score.
Rubric for the Analysis Paper:
A: Outstanding:
You demonstrate a historical and structural understanding of the work through gleaning the most important aspects. The paper is near (at) the level of an undergraduate journal such as the UMF Historian. The bibliography is usually smaller than a research paper but includes citation of the score and recordings used; the paper successfully implements the Chicago style. its
B: Good:
A good overview of the work and an interesting read. There may be some slight weaknesses in the analysis or conception of the musical context. The paper might also be an A paper with too much information; in-other-words, the most important aspects of the work are present, but not prioritized with less important information. The bibliography is usually smaller than a research paper but includes citation of the score and recordings used; the paper successfully implements the Chicago style.
C: Satisfactory to Limited:
A 'C' paper has the weaknesses of a 'B' a paper (problems with analysis/context or inability to draw out the most important aspects of the work) but more so. Presentation is generally clear but may have a few trouble spots, re-reading is often necessary. The paper successfully implements the Chicago style.
D or F: Poor to Failing:
Significant misconceptions or struggles with most important aspects of the work. Paper may subject the reader to long sections irrelevant to the analysis or context, such as the composer's biography. Note: a paper without bibliography/footnotes is considered plagiarism.