Project

This course presents a number of case studies (specific examples) of how identity is constructed, expressed, and negotiated through music. These case studies, along with some of the more general concepts we have read about, are all meant to piece together larger concepts about music and identity. This project is an opportunity for you to explore your own case study and use this perspective to examine a topic of your own choosing.

Each student will write a 6-7 page essay on a specific issue or example of identity as reflected/constructed/negotiated/etc. in musical culture. You may choose to focus on a specific composer, performer, work, genre, analytical approach, etc. Your task is to add to what we have covered in class, not repeat something that we have already covered. While the perspective should relate to this course's main topic, the subject of your project is being left open to allow you to pursue a type of music that is most interesting and relevant to you.

In addition to these essays, our final two class meetings (October 16 and 18) has been set aside for students to present their work to their peers. While this will be a short presentation due to time constraints, students will have approximately 15 minutes to share the main points they make in their essay, along with relevant audio and/or visual examples. We will sign up for time slots during class in week 6 (September 30-October 4). If you are not presenting, you are expected to contribute to class discussion as with any other meeting of this class through questions and comments.

Starting the the third week of the course (September 9-13), through short assignments, we will start to develop your project. Short assignments will be given to help you further your project include writing on your topic ideas. All assignments will be added to Canvas for your reference. These short building assignments, along with the presentation, will all be part of the project portion of your final grade. This is a short class and an abbreviated schedule, so be aware that this process will move faster than you may anticipate.

Required elements, and their weight in the final grade, include the following:

• Main point of essay is appropriate and stated clearly (15 points)
• A critical and insightful argument made throughout the essay with a clear structure, where all paragraphs relate back to and develop the main point (40 points)
• Evidence is cited appropriately to illustrate your argument, including citation of sources used (25 points)
• A clear and effective writing style that observes conventions of written English (10 points)
• Includes a bibliography with an adequate number of appropriate sources (10 points)