ESSAY ASSIGNMENT OPTIONS
In order to allow students of this course to explore topics related to hip-hop music and culture that interest them as well as incorporate themes and concepts from class lectures, the following essay assignment options are available for the final paper assignment. The essay should be four to seven typewritten (12 pt. Times New Roman font) double-spaced pages with 1.5 inch side margins. Essays will be due on the final day of class, December 6, 2007 at the beginning of class no later than 11:05 a.m.
Book Review
Due to hip-hop’s dominance in the music industry and far reaching influence in American popular culture, many books have been written about the music and the culture by authors from many areas of study. Choose one book that specifically addresses some aspect(s) of hip-hop and write a review of the book. Include biographical information about the author (education, profession, field/perspectives, and other books written), brief summaries of each chapter, and discuss the main theme or concepts of the text. Based on what you’ve learned in the course and your own perspectives give a critique of the text. The book you choose must be approved by week four (September 20th). The only biographies acceptable should be autobiographical or semi-autobiographical.
Complete CD Review
Include: Name of artist(s), title of album/CD, name of record company/distributor, give year of release. Also include biography/background information on individual or group (at least half a page). List producers (tracks and the whole project) involved. If present, list cameos or guest artists. Provide a brief discussion of each track. Pick one track and provide thorough lyrical analysis based on class lecture content regarding language and rhetorical style as well as linguistic qualities (include lyrics). Give an overall assessment of the project: artist’s(s) flow, lyrical content, production, stylistic comparison with what was heard in class, regional influences if any, track sequencing, images/artwork, extras (interludes, digital enhancements, etc.). Finally, must provide copy of CD. (CDs will be returned upon request)
Special Topic (include at least 2 full length, published sources)
Some students may want to examine a specific theme or perspective in hip-hop (i.e. French hip-hop, women in hip-hop, hip-hop and protest, etc.). Whatever topic chosen must be thoroughly examined and contain a basic hypothesis and clearly stated conclusion. Special topics need to be approved by the professor. Additional instructions and approval for special topics will only be given in person, during office hours.
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