Writing Lyrics

The course is given as a freestanding course or as an elective within an artistic bachelor or master programme.

General entry requirements and 15 credits in a Bachelor of Fine Arts programme in music or 15 credits in a teacher training programme specialising in music, or equivalent knowledge and skills. The corresponding assessment is based on documented merits that must be attached to the application.

• Analysing one´s own, and other´s lyrics
• Orientation in analysis, methodology, expression and how these may apply to one´s own writing
• Introduction to creative tools and how to use them when writing lyrics to music
• Introduction to different working methods and analysis of one's own writing process

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• verbally and in writing describe their own and others' writing processes 

Competence and skills

• write song lyrics based on the methods introduced and exercised in the course
• describe your own creative writing process in relation to a methodical practice

Judgement and approach

• reflect on how the course content can be applied in your own creative work
• critically and constructively evaluate one's own and others' writing processes

Teaching is done through lectures, seminars and practical exercises.

Language of instruction: Swedish or English

The grade Pass requires that the expected learning outcomes of the course are achieved. The student is examined at the end of the course. The basis for the examination is an overall assessment of student's performance during the course and is obtained during the lessons through written and oral assignments.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass (G) and Fail (U).

The student evaluates the course anonymously in writing after the end of the course. The result and any changes to the structure of the course are to be communicated both to the students who carried out the evaluation and to the students who are to start the course. Any changes to the structure of the course will be presented to students when the next course starts.

Gender equality, equal opportunities, and diversity, should be observed in all courses at the Academy of Music and Drama, where the equal worth of all persons and the possibility of participation for all – both within the activities of the Academy, as well as in the wider community – is our starting point. Likewise, the Academy of Music and Drama should observe issues of sustainable development in all its courses, which means that present and future generations are to be ensured a healthy and good environment, as well as economic and social welfare and justice.