choose one American hip hop song to formally explore one of the course topics we’ve covered on the list below. I’VE NOT PROVIDED A SONG. YOU CHOOSE.
TOPIC LIST:
Signifying
Slavery and Freedom
Blues themes in hip hop
Hip Hop and Sampling Soul of the Civil Rights Era
Hip Hop and Afrofuturism
New York Hip Hop
West Coast Hip Hop
Dirty South Hip Hop
Midwest Hip Hop
Hip Hop and Gender Expression/Identity
Hip Hop and LGBTQQIA Identity
Final Paper Rubric Item Points Description
Thesis
15
The thesis makes a clear, concise, specific, and compelling argument about the song.
Lyrical and Thematic Analysis
15
Analysis of the song lyrics and the themes
addressed in the song are thoroughly contextualized in the broader
landscape of the song’s cultural context and directly support the
paper’s thesis.
Musical Analysis 10 The sounds of the song (instruments, vocal
timbres, beats, samples, tempo, form) are analyzed in terms of the
musical meaning they convey and directly support the paper’s thesis.
Connection to Course Material 15 The interpretations of the song demonstrate
the learner’s comprehension of the course material, particularly the
learner’s ability to extract and construct meaning in scholarly ways.
Form 10 The paper has a clear form, including an
introductory paragraph, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each
paragraph is dedicated to a particular subtopic, and that subtopic is
introduced in the first sentence of the paragraph. Transition sentences
between subtopics assist the flow of the paper.
Grammar, Spelling, and Formatting 10 Spelling, particularly of song titles,
artist names, and places are accurate. Proper pronouns are used. Grammar
is consistent. Formatting is correct according to paper guidelines.
Overall Content/Length
25
Paper meets the minimum word requirement.
The analyses included directly support the thesis. Appropriate context
directly related to the thesis is offered. Analyses are insightful and
original. Any sources used are cited appropriately.
Total 100
