Music

Final written assignment #2 (20 total points):  "Country Music and Identity: A Case Study " due Friday1/20/17    

Do not submit the assignment without having read and followed these instructions. 

Page requirement: 

        undergraduates: maximum 3 pages 

The Written Report (25 points)

Writing papers forces us to gather more information than we might stumble upon, to refine ideas beyond generalities and abstractions, to confront fuzzy thinking, and to become more fully acquainted with the resonances of a topic and our perspective on it. We actually learn by writing. One of the requirements in this class is writing a brief, original, research paper that includes a modest proportion of critical analysis; no paper will receive an "A" without originality and critical analysis. The above page limit does not include bibliography, supporting appendices, discographies, etc. Please click here for a one-page description of the grading criteria, i.e. what papers will receive an "A," "B," and so on. 

In MUSIC 117 we examine a variety of styles that are identified under the general understanding of "country music.". In your final written assignment you are to examine one song that fits your own criteria of "country music" and provide the following:

     1. A brief background of the song and its artist, e.g. date of release, album, artist's bio (very brief)

     2. An in-depth analysis of the song's musical features (melody, harmony, rhythm, form, texture, instrumentation, dynamics)

     3. What features make this song distinctively "country" and, most importantly, why? 

Your research paper is an original piece of work. It is assumed that all students understand the meaning of plagiarism and that it will not be tolerated in any fashion. Ignorance is no excuse and will not be accepted. If you want to quote the words or use ideas from someone else, you MUST cite your reference and credit the originator of the ideas. Take this seriously because I do. Please see me if you have any questions. 

Papers and any supporting materials are due electronically on Friday 1/20/17. Late submissions will not be accepted. You MUST submit an electronic copy of your paper to the Assignment #2 dropbox on the Course Materials page.

The University's Academic Honor Code must be observed in completing these assignments, i.e., the assignment must be entirely your own work. Any instance of plagiarism or dishonesty will be dealt with severely.  For further reading please click here for an article entitled "Examples of Plagiarism, and of Appropriate Use of Others’ Words and Ideas."

Assignments must be typed, double-spaced, and printed in a plain font similar to the one you are now reading. The following must appear at the top of your assignment: