IDS 101: The Art of Musical Invective: Using the Library

François Lopinot / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA

Have you ever read a scathing take-down of a musician you admire? Did that negative press affect your perception of that artist or even an entire style/genre of music? This class will explore the impact of criticism—both positive and negative—on innovation and risk-taking by popular musicians in America and abroad. Our study will include assigned readings, guided listening sessions, interviews with contemporary musical artists and critics, and in-depth discussion of the work of important musical critics of the past 100 years. In addition, we will examine in detail various musical eras with particular attention paid to artists who found themselves embroiled in controversy both in and out of the recording studio. Students will be responsible for writing their own artist profiles (in the vein of music journals such as Rolling Stone and Spin) of popular musicians, reviewing albums and live performances, and gauging the impact music critics have had on the trajectory of popular musical expression over the years.

CURRENT PERIODICALS

Only the most recent issues of journals and magazines are kept on display in our current periodical area; these materials are not available for check out.  Most older print periodicals are stored in our off-site storage facility.

BOUND PERIODICALS & MICROFILM

Some older issues of journals and magazines are bound in book form and shelved in the Bound Periodicals section.  Other older magazines exist in microfilm format and are stored in cabinets near two microfilm/microfiche readers, which can scan microforms into digital formats. 

You can set up an individual research consultation with a subject librarian for research help. Here are a few other things that we can do for you:

• Show you the best places to begin your research.
   
• Locate the information you need within our library or elsewhere.
   
• Help you cite information correctly (e.g. APA style).
   
• Judge the quality & reliability of information.
   
• Teach you how to use information ethically (e.g. avoiding plagiarism).
   
• Determine whether something is peer-reviewed.

A personal Librarian is your "go-to" person in the library. First-year students are paired up with a librarian who will be your individual contact person within the library from day one. Find your Personal Librarian here.

Library Hours

Mon-Thur    8 a.m. -- Midnight
Friday         8 a.m. -- 6 p.m.
Saturday    10 a.m. -- 6 p.m.
Sunday      10 a.m. -- Midnight

Reference Hours

Mon-Wed   10 a.m. -- 5 p.m.
                    6 p.m. -- 9 p.m.
Thursday    10 a.m. -- 5 p.m.     

Friday          1 p.m. -- 4 p.m
Saturday         (Closed)
Sunday           (Closed)

Archives Hours

Contact:  archives@willamette.edu for an appointment.

Note: The library is open to the general public Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

More calendar info...