Provide a brief biography of the artist that includes a discussion of who they are
Paper Assignment
This paper will examine issues that have been explored musically. These are the songs you may choose from for the assignment. You can click on the hyperlink title to be taken to a YouTube video of the song or use the url provided (also hyperlinked).
Wealth Inequality
“Working Class Hero” by John Lennon https://youtu.be/iMewtlmkV6c
“Money” by Pink Floyd https://youtu.be/-0kcet4aPpQ
Death Penalty
“Faye Tucker” by Indigo Girls https://youtu.be/JULNO4WTI-A
“25 Minutes to Go” by Johnny Cash https://youtu.be/jxvR7ZUjaJk
War
“Rich Man’s War” by Steve Earl https://youtu.be/uyD5qVbGhbo
“American Soldier” by Toby Keith https://youtu.be/DWrMeBR8W-c
Format of the Paper
Choose one set of songs for your paper. Each deals with a different topic which we will cover this semester, though from somewhat different perspectives.
The discussion for each song should include the following (in this order):
1. Identify the song, artist, and year of recording
2. Provide a brief biography of the artist that includes a discussion of who they are (nationality, race, gender and other relevant demographics), the genre of music they primarily perform (i.e., rock, pop, soul…), whether they are/were politically active and, if so, how and what issues are primarily of interest to them.
3. Identify what the song is about (through a brief discussion of the lyrics) and what aspect of the political issues each song raises.
The words limit for this section is 1000 words.
BELOW IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE PAPER AND THESE QUESTIONS SHOULD BE WHAT YOU SPEND THE MOST TIME AND WORDS ON.
4. Identify the past and current debates on the identified issue (what are the different political positions surrounding the issue? is the debate around a general ideological divide and, if so, what is that divide? what position do the artists take on the issue?)
5. Discuss your position on the issue, using facts, not opinions, to support your position. Discuss whether the your research reinforced or changed your position on the issue and in what way.
6. Discuss what it was about the research that reinforced or changed your position
Total word limit is 2500.
You may use internet to learn more about the songs and artists, but you are required to find scholarly resources (books or journal articles) for the discussion of the issues. You may locate those sources using the online databases on the USM Library website, but they must be scholarly books or journals. You may not use websites as your sources. Sources should be referenced in the text (in text citation) using APSA Style Manual (available on Canvas) and a reference page. References should include a URL for internet sources dealing with the music (including the date you accessed the site) or a citation for any books, journals or other printed source that you use to assist in writing your paper. Citations must include author, title of book or article (including name of journal, magazine, newspaper), date of publication and publisher. This will be discussed more in class. You do not need to provide a URL for the scholarly material unless it is only published online.
Papers should include a cover page that includes the name of the paper, your name and the course information. You should use Times New Roman 12 font (the one this paragraph is formatted in), margins should be 1” all around, double space the text (though long quotes should be single-space/indented), page numbers go in the top right corner, and you should NOT use running heads with your name on them.
Your paper should include an introduction, the body of the paper, and a conclusion. You should use headings and subheadings to divide the paper. Follow the APSA Style Manual for headings and subheadings.
Your papers will be assessed according to a rubric which is available on Canvas and on the following criteria:
a) clarity – is it written clearly? when appropriate, do you use examples and illustrations?
b) accuracy – can you verify your facts?
c) precision – is your argument specific and detailed?
d) relevance – does your discussion relate to the questions asked?
e) logic – does the paper make sense?
f) style and form – does it meet the style and presentation requirements stipulated above?
Other requirement: You must attend at least one session at the Writing Center (located in Cook Library) before turning in your draft. Thus, you should make an appointment now as the slots fill up quickly (https://www.usm.edu/writing-center/writing-center-appointments). This will also motivate you to get to work on the paper before you meet with the assistant. If they indicate on the report that you did not have an actual draft, then you will not receive credit for this requirement. A draft is a complete paper, not just part of your paper.
Word limits: You are granted a 10% leeway on the word limit before losing a grade level. Thus, if you are more than 10% over or under, you lose 1 grade level. If you are 20% over or under, you lose 2 grade levels, etc. If you are under or over for either section, you still lose a grade level for the entire paper.
Due Dates: Draft March 9
Final Paper April 9
