(Offered as BIOL 301 and NEUR 301.)  An analysis of the molecules and molecular mechanisms underlying nervous system function, development, and disease.  We will explore the proteins that contribute to the unique structure and function of neurons, including an in-depth analysis of synaptic communication and the molecular processes that modify synapses.  We will also study the molecular mechanisms that control brain development, from neurogenesis, neurite growth, and synaptogenesis to cell death and degeneration.

Independent Reading Course. A full course.

Fall and spring semester.

In this seminar we explore stylistic characteristics of compositions that demonstrate the most important tendencies in twentieth-century music. Instead of applying one analytical method, we try out various approaches to twentieth-century music, taking into consideration the composers’ different educational and cultural backgrounds.

Music often serves as one of the primary ways that we create and maintain identities. Our social groups--peers, colleagues, acquaintances--are often determined by shared affinities for specific musical styles, artists, and the world views they come to represent. Yet music is also frequently used to catalyze various forms of social and political activism, challenge our relationship to society and structures of power, and initiate change. This seminar explores the nature of popular music and its relationship to culture, politics, and identity.

Independent Reading Course. A full course.

Fall and spring semesters.

Immersive composition projects according to the needs and experience of the individual student, deepening he experience gained in courses of study like Music 269. One class meeting per week and private conferences. Guest composer presentations in a workshop environment. This course may be repeated.

Requisite: MUSI  269 or the equivalent, and consent of the instructor. Fall semester. Valentine Visiting Professor McDonald.

This course will explore compositional techniques continually growing from the numerous traditions that filter through Western art music styles. Innovate works by twentieth and twenty-first century composers that generate new approaches to these traditions (through melody and scale, rhythm and meter, harmony, instrumentation, and musical structure) will be examined and practiced to the best of our collective abilities. The course will employ improvisation as a source of ideas for written compositions and as a primary compositional mode.

The writing of songs based upon a study of the works of past masters in a variety of styles, including rock, blues, American folksong, "shape note" music and more. A composition course with much individual attention. Significant class time will be spent discussing student compositions, with occasional meetings with the instructor outside of class hours. Two class meetings per week.

Requisite: Students should have some background in music performance, chords, or writing. Limited to 12 students. Fall semester. Professor Sawyer.