M502
Antonio Vivaldi
Professor Massimo Ossi
Research Project
This will be a semester-long project focusing on a work or group of works not covered in the syllabus. You may choose to work on a composer who is contemporary with Vivaldi; if you do, however, be sure that there is either a connection or an apt comparison with Vivaldi's music. The research will progress through the following stages:
1) Thesis statement and bibliography. This should consists of a a brief project description (500 words maximum) and a general bibliography about the topic. The bibliography will include scholarly books and articles, and should be organized according to categories (i.e. analytical works, sources, performance practice, etc.). The total number of items, of course, cannot be predicted and will reflect the topic you have chosen--do not pick at random and then discover too late that there is NOTHING out there! This will not be an excuse for a skimpy bibliography. At the same time, avoid choosing a subject with a mile-long bibliography--you will not be able to deal with it in the short time available. This can be turned in via e-mail.
2) Development of an outline and rough draft. I would like for you to see me at least once or twice during this process, and to schedule a meeting with me to go over the draft itself. This can be turned in via e-mail.
3) Final essay, following proper academic conventions (I like the Chicago Manual of Style, but you may choose an alternative, provided that you follow it consistently--please check with me before you do so, however). Please use spellcheck and edit the final draft carefully, as I will keep a tally of misspellings, typos, poor grammar, etc. and will factor it into the final grade. This CANNOT be turned in via e-mail.
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Massimo Ossi, copyright 2002