Diversity, inclusion, belonging, and social justice are important goals of the Society for Music Theory. These goals cannot simply be proclaimed; we must all work toward them. There is no better starting point than in our undergraduate classrooms. It is for this reason that the SMT introduces the Award for Diversity Course Design.
This annual award honors outstanding undergraduate syllabi that promote diversity in music theory. Beginning in 2025, two awards will be given each year:
- One for syllabi for core theory curricula
- One for syllabi for topical courses or seminars
Entries should be original work. Ideas or approaches drawn from others should be indicated in general terms through footnotes to preserve anonymity (these references can be made more specific at a later stage for winning entries).
The Award for Diversity Course Design underscores SMT’s commitment to inclusive pedagogy in practical ways. The winning entries—along with any honorable mentions selected by the committee—will be posted on the SMT website to serve as models for the field. Over time, this growing collection of syllabi will help shape evolving best practices, influencing both what we teach and how we teach it.