Music 110cL Research Paper QEP Assignment Guidelines And Rub
Mus 110cl Research Paper Qep Assignment Guidelines And Rubric E
Each student, in consultation with the instructor, will choose a musical repertoire or genre and prepare a Research Paper and Presentation. How does the repertoire 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. 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 by your classmates. Include lyrics, if your music has lyrics, and some guide or explanation of the music itself that guides the listeners through the performance. Videos found online may be used if the video enhances or explains the music in some way. If a video of the performance is used, a listening guide should be provided as well. Submit your Research Paper Topic to the Dropbox no later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT of Module 2. Submit your Research Paper to the Dropbox no later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT of Module 7. (This Dropbox basket is linked to Turnitin.) In addition to the Research Paper, you will also be creating a presentation (including a playlist) for your fellow classmates to read and hear.
In the Module 7 Discussion Board, you will post a brief description of your project and attach the Research Paper and Presentation (including music sample). Then, read at least two of your classmates’ presentations, listen to their music samples, and post your comments. Write a brief description of your Research Paper and post the Research Paper and Presentation (with listening examples) no later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT of Module 7. Post a substantive review, taking in account the QEP grading rubric for this assignment, to at least two other classmates’ Research Papers no later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT of Module 8.
Paper For Above instruction
The assignment for this course involves selecting a specific musical repertoire or genre and conducting an in-depth research project that explores its relation to issues of identity, such as race, class, gender, or sexuality. The goal is to examine not just the musical elements but also how the music reflects or influences social and cultural issues, making the project inherently interdisciplinary. This comprehensive work will be presented in written form as a research paper and verbally or visually through a presentation, with both components emphasizing critical thinking and scholarly analysis.
The first step in the project is choosing a musical genre or repertoire that allows for meaningful exploration within these social frameworks. For example, students might select hip-hop, jazz, folk, or indigenous music — genres with rich social, political, and cultural histories. Once a topic is selected, students should gather at least three to four scholarly articles that provide context and scholarly perspectives on the genre’s social significance. These sources should be cited appropriately using MLA style. An effective research paper will analyze how the chosen music exemplifies or challenges issues of identity and societal values.
The research paper must include a thorough musical analysis, addressing formal aspects, lyrical content (if applicable), and performance practices. If the genre includes lyrics, these should be included with explanations that guide listeners through the musical message and emotional tone. For performance videos, students should prepare listening guides that highlight musical features, performance techniques, and contextual relevance. The use of online videos is encouraged if they add depth to the understanding of the music.
Furthermore, the project emphasizes the importance of active listening and presentation skills. Students are expected to prepare a playlist or repertoire sample that embodies the identity-related themes discussed. This playlist will be used in the presentation, which should include engaging visuals and a coherent narrative that contextualizes the music socially and culturally. The presentation will be shared with classmates, who will listen to the samples, review the written research, and provide constructive feedback. The deadlines for submitting the research paper topic, the completed paper, and the presentation are specified in the course schedule, with the paper due by the end of Module 7 and peer reviews taking place in Module 8.
This assignment aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness by encouraging students to connect musical elements with broader social issues. It aligns with the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) by promoting decision-making and core values such as social responsibility and cultural respect. The evaluation rubric considers clarity of purpose, depth of perspective, evidence support, analysis of implications, understanding of core values, decision-making rationale, organization, topic relevance, sourcing, and presentation quality. Achieving success in this project demonstrates the ability to critically engage with music as a reflection and agent of social identity.
References
- Chang, Jeff. Can't Stop Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation. St. Martin's Press, 2005.
- Brackett, David. Music and Identity. University of Michigan Press, 2019.
- Gillespie, Paula, and Neal King (Eds.). Global Repertoires: Music, Cultural Politics, and Multicultural Society. Oxford University Press, 2010.
- McClary, Susan. Feminine Endings: Music, Gender, and Sexuality. University of Minnesota Press, 1991.
- Learning, Robert. Jazz and the Political Imagination. University of California Press, 2015.
- Rose, Tricia. The Hip Hop Wars: What We Talk About When We Talk About Hip Hop—and Why It Matters. Basic Civitas Books, 2008.
- Stokes, Martin. Ethnicity, Identity and Music: The Musical Construction of Place. Berg Publishers, 1994.
- Shankar, M. A. (2017). Music, Race, and Cultural Identity. Routledge.
- Miranda, J. A., & Estrada, D. (2018). Latino Music and Identity Politics. Oxford University Press.
- Born, Georgina, and David Hesmondhalgh. Western Music and Its Others. University of California Press, 2000.