Much of this book is based on popular music and American culture from 1945-1955. You will
write 4-6 page reflective essay on the following prompt:
To what extent was the Rock’n’Roll Movement a pivotal moment in U.S. history?
Think about this — What is the purpose of this book? What values can be seen through the
inception and reception of Rock’n’Roll music in the 1950s. How did Rock’n’Roll challenge and
change American culture and lay a foundation for the 1960s. Take a good look at the themes that
the author rolls out – sex, race, generational conflict, culture wars, etc.
Your essay should include a brief synopsis of the author’s thesis and main points, an analysis of
what the book adds to your knowledge of history. This prompt is an analysis not a summary. In
addition to the prompt, I would like for you to conclude your essay with an analysis of how you
believe this book would be good for use in the classroom. Is it good ancillary literature to the
textbook? Think about why the book was written or published.
Do not try to write this essay if you have not read the book in its entirety. I will grade your essay
based on its clarity, organization, content, and mechanics. It must exhibit correct spelling and
grammar and must be written at a collegiate level.
Your paper should be in Times New Roman, size 12 pt. font, and double spaced. You should
have 1-inch margins on all sides of the paper. It should include page numbers. You must
include an appropriate title page, no MLA headings. Paper must be in either APA or CMS
(Turabian).
Here are some helpful tips for your paper-
1) Your paper must have an argument. This argument should be clearly stated in the
introductory paragraph. An argument offers an explanation to a question, not just a general
statement. For example: “Writing history papers is stupid” may be your firm belief, but it is a
general statement and not an argument. Something better would be “Writing history papers is
stupid because I always wait until the last minute, I never complete the reading assignments on
time, and I always got A’s in high school- so why should I put any effort into this paper.” This is
an argument because it offers three explanations for why this imaginary student dislikes writing
history papers – (although I sense it will be a failing paper.)
2) Once you have a clearly stated argument, the rest of your paper should present the most
relevant evidence in support of that argument- not just information from the first half of the
chapter or the shortest documents. You want to persuade your reader that your argument is the
most convincing explanation to a particular question.
3) Express your ideas, explain your evidence, then analyze that evidence in careful detail. Do
not assume that I know what you intend to say- be sure you write exactly what you intend to say.
Do not leave your reader guessing. If I spend a great deal of time trying to figure out what you
are trying to say, that is not a good sign. Clarity is one of your best friends. Do not include “I
believe” or other use of your own voice- it’s your paper, we know it is what you believe.
4) Organize your paper so that it develops in some coherent fashion. Do not simply discuss
issues because you are currently reading that particular piece of evidence. A stream of
consciousness is no form of organization. If your paper is so confusing that it takes me longer to
read than took you to write, that is also not a good sign.
5) All paragraphs should begin with a strong topic sentence that lets the reader know exactly
what that particular paragraph will discuss. Then, each sentence in that paragraph should focus
on that topic sentence. If you have any sentences that do not deal with the topic sentence, they
should not be in the paragraph. You should be able to read each paragraph’s topic sentence and
see the logical progression of the paper.
6) The concluding paragraph should summarize the argument and the supporting evidence- but
it should not simply repeat the introductory paragraph. Many times, students do not even include
the concluding paragraph, so the reader is left guessing. This is a bad idea- your paper must have
a concluding paragraph.
7) Avoid the use of the Passive Voice. Whenever you see the verb “to be” (“was,” “were”),
rewrite the sentence to avoid the passive voice. For example: “The Declaration of Independence
was written by Thomas Jefferson” is passive voice because the subject (TJ) is after the verb (to
write). Most passive voice sentences can easily be fixed: “Thomas Jefferson wrote the
Declaration of Independence.” This is “active voice” because the person doing the action (TJ) is
the subject of the sentence. Writing in the active voice makes sentences much clearer and does
not bog down the paper in convoluted statements.
Another form of passive voice involves sentences that do not clarify the person doing the action.
For example: “My tuition will be raised 25-30%” is passive voice because we do not know who
is responsible for raising tuition. A better, clearer, statement would be: “As a result of the state
budget crisis, the Board of Regents will raise my tuition 25-30%.” Now we know who is
responsible for the action.
8) Avoid long quotations or repetitive use of quotations. While short and relevant quotes can go
a long way to help the paper, be sure that you are doing the writing and not letting the quotes
write the paper for you.
9) Your paper must be your own ideas written in your own words. If you take information from
any source, including the internet or another student, and claim it to be your own, you are guilty
of plagiarism, and you will be turned over to the dean for investigation. You will receive a 0 for
this paper. This also can lead to academic suspension. Do not risk it- just come up with your
own ideas and express them in your own words- it is not that difficult. In addition, the use of any
outside sources will result in a failing grade.
10) Do not wait until the last minute. Coming up with an argument and finding relevant
evidence takes time. If you wait until the last minute you will produce a poor paper and earn a
poor grade. Students always tell me they write better when under the pressure of a deadline.
You do not write better, you only write faster.
11) Finally, it is impossible to produce a good paper in the first draft. You must reread and
revise drafts to ensure that the argument is clearly stated, all of the best evidence is explained and
analyzed, paragraphs stay focused, the paper develops in a coherent fashion, sentences are
consistently written in the past tense and active voice, and you have a conclusion that
summarizes your argument and the supporting evidence without simply repeating the
introductory paragraph. If you submit only a first draft, you should expect a grade that reflects
your lack of effort.
You will submit the paper by Sunday, July 7th at 11:59 PM. No late papers will be accepted
since grades are due within a few days of the last week.
You will submit the paper to assignment dropbox.
Please only submit .doc or .docx files. No PDFs
