My research topic is from the approved list of topics.
My paper is typed.
My paper is five (5) pages of text plus a title page, plus a works cited page for a total of seven(pages) in length.
My paper has one-inch margins (top, bottom, left, and right).
I used a font that is no more than 12 point.
My paper is double spaced.
I have put a parenthetical notation at the end of each sentence in which I have taken ideas, opinions, or statistics from another source, or I have directly quoted another source (citing must be done using MLA format).
All of the entries in my works cited page are cited within the text of the paper.
I have provided a “works cited” page at the end of the paper listing all sources cited. (The page must be typed according to the MLA format).
I have used a minimum of five different sources cited in this paper.
I have edited the paper for spelling and grammar.
My paper has a title page with the instructor’s name, course number, date, title of the paper, and my name.
******* TOPIC******
1. Overview:
Christianity began and developed in a culturally rich area of the ancient world. This Cultural Perspective discusses the influences of these various cultures, especially Judaism, on the music and worship practices of the early Christian church.
Issues:
We live in a multicultural society, and we often think that this is a uniquely modern and American condition. Our study of history shows us that this is not the case. Still, it is helpful to consider the role of cross-cultural influences in our own society.
What constitutes influence, and how do we recognize it in music?
What influences from other cultures, or ethnic groups do you see in music that you are familiar with (sacred or secular)?
Do you view such influences as positive or negative? Why?
Project:
There are a number of ways that we can investigate cross-cultural influences in music without having a strong musical background. Here are some projects that might interest you.
Talk to someone who is involved in sacred music (of any tradition) and ask how the music of that tradition has been influenced in recent years. What is the source of that influence, and how is it viewed by different generations?
Investigate the music of your own tradition (sacred or secular). What influences do you find? Are they acknowledged influences (the Beatles’ use of Indian music, for example), or are they more covert (the influence of African-American music on many popular styles)?
Look at your own portion of society. What are the sources of influence on fashion, entertainment, language, etc.? Why do you think we choose to borrow from other cultures, and what qualities do we look for? Do we want to find something different or something that seems familiar?
Task:
Write about what your thoughts are and what you have discovered.
