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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Lyric Writing
Course: MTC111

First Term: 2010 Fall
 Lecture   1 Credit(s)   1 Period(s)   1 Load  
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S


Description: Lyric writing and its relationship to song structure and rhythm. Emphasis on basic poetic forms, meter, rhyme schemes, analysis of song lyrics for content and clarity, and use of lyric writing tools.



MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Identify different poetic meters, and explain how they relate to musical rhythms. (I)
2. Explain the function of rhyming, non-rhyming, and internal rhyme schemes in relation to song structure. (II)
3. Analyze lyrics for content, clarity and continuity. (III)
4. Use the thesaurus, rhyming dictionary, and other writing tools in composing lyrics. (IV)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Poetic Meter
   A. Syllabic accents
      1. Emphasize natural speech patterns
      2. Tie lyric to the musical pulse and melody
   B. Grouping of stressed and unstressed syllables
      1. Metric feet
         a. Iambic
         b. Trochee
         c. Anapest
         d. Dactyl
         e. Spondee
         f. Amphibrach
      2. Metric line
II. Rhyme Schemes
   A. Perfect rhymes, imperfect rhymes, and internal rhymes
   B. Stanzas
   C. Strophic and non-strophic forms
III. Content, Clarity and Continuity
   A. Sources of inspiration
   B. Determining the theme
   C. Imagery and metaphor
   D. Use of emotional and chronological flow
IV. Lyric Writing Tools
   A. Using a thesaurus
   B. Using a rhyming dictionary
   C. Using other writing tools
 
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date:  5/25/2010

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.