What to do?

Dear Class,

One of you emailed me asking about any work that is due next week, and has some confusion about the lesson plans. I thought that I would share the answer because some of you may have similar questions. Here is my reply:

The lesson plans were originally designed as a guide for me to manage the agenda for that class meeting, but I also choose to share them with you during the class as well as on our blog. There is nothing "due" for next week, but throughout the course of the semester you are responsible for at least 3 blog comments, 3 blog posts, one presentation and one final project. Each week, I will give you a lot of suggestions for things to do for any of these. Discussion points are intended for in-class discussion, but may also give you ideas about blog activity, a presentation, or even your final project.

I would suggest you read through all of the posts on the course blog, click the links, review the syllabus, listen to the music again, watch the videos, and start jotting down things that catch your interest. These first few weeks, just absorb the material and start exploring. Soon, I'll be prompting you for more specific actions and exercises to help you generate ideas.

This isn't your typical class; we don't have traditional "homework" or quizzes or exams. Your learning is partly based on your own curiosity and I would like you to choose what you explore, rather than me dictating it. You will eventually have 9 musical compositions as starting points, and the direction you take your work depends on you. If you get an idea, but aren't sure how to proceed, email me, or post it on the blog. I'd be glad to help you refine your ideas and discuss the details.

Thank you for your email. I'll post this on the blog in case others have the same questions.

- Professor Manning