This course approaches contemporary songs and songwriting from both analytical and creative perspectives, engaging with music from a broad spectrum of genres, styles, influences, and eras. Until midterm, students will study the structures and practices of songwriting through detailed analyses that focus on aspects of structure, instrumentation and production, and lyric content. In the remainder of the term, students will create their own work through a series of solo and collaborative songwriting assignments, inviting a variety of styles and flavors of musical expression. Prior experience with music theory and notation are not requirements for success in this course. Students interested in all musical genres are welcome; however, it is expected that all students will be capable and willing to perform at a basic level using their own voice and/or an instrument and/or technology.