·      How does the topic you’ve chosen relate to issues of race, class, gender, sexuality, or other definers of identity?

·       Bear in mind that while lyrics and performance are important, you must address musical issues as well by providing a listening guide.

·       Cite 3-4 scholarly articles using MLA style formatting as your resources for the background paper.

·       Provide a listening example of the genre that can be played in class. Youtube videos may be used if the video enhances or explains the music in some way

·       If a video of the performance is shown in class, a listening guide should be provided as well

·       For example of Listening guide go to: www.mhhe.com/joyner

·       Purpose: Clearly identifies main issue(s), problem(s), or intention(s)

·       Perspective: Investigates point(s) of view and assumptions

·       Evidence: Supports purpose with relevant, sufficient evidence and defines concepts

·       Analysis: Analyzes the consequences and implications of reasoning

·       Core Values: Addresses core value(s) specifically and demonstrates their relevance

·        Decision Making: States the various options of decision making and choose a solution

·        Grammar and Organization: Uses good grammar and organizes the paper in a consistent and logical way

·       Choice of appropriate topic: Chooses a topic that can be examined in a scholarly way that goes beyond a basic biography or playlist

·       Uses appropriate sources and cites them correctly: Uses a minimum of three scholarly sources and cites them within the  paper using MLA or APA style

·       Class Presentation: Presents the topic using engaging visuals, appropriate musical examples, and relevant information 

my topic about:

·        The American music and the formation of national identity

1.         Race and ethnicity


2.         Is Jazz an American art form?

3.        American popular music, was a product of the culture commercialization or was the manifestation of a generational  expression?

4.       Tendencies in the future development of American music.