Writing Assignment 2 – Sociological Analysis of Music
Music is so much more than entertainment. It provides a commentary on many aspects of life, both good and bad. It helps people relate to situations that they have faced or better understand those that they have not yet faced. It stirs a variety of emotions while simultaneously providing people with an emotional outlet. In short, music makes a statement about life while also impacting it.
Because music so often reflects what happens in our world, it can be a useful learning tool when trying to understand a society. This exercise is designed to demonstrate, through music, the usefulness of the concepts you have been learning about in class. It provides you an opportunity to apply sociology.
Assignment Instructions:
Format your paper using the following guidelines:
Typed, 1 inch margins on all sides. Double-spaced. Times New Roman, Size 12 Font. 1 full page minimum.
Choose ONE of the songs listed below and begin your research by listening to the song and reading the lyrics. Note, the context of social events happening during the time that the song was written/released may be important to understanding the sociological issues related to the song.
Glory by John Legend
9 to 5 by Dolly Parton
Neighbors by J. Cole (explicit)
Man In Black by Johnny Cash
Same Love by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
22 by Lily Allen
What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye
Rich and Miserable by Kenny Chesney
You are the Problem Here by First Aid Kit
Begin your written analysis by providing an introduction identifying what song is being analyzed, who wrote the song, any background detail on the song or the time frame that the song came out that would be relevant.
Next, explain the issues explored in this song and identify relevant lyrics from the song. Include THREE sociological terms or concepts identified and explained in connection with your song. Make sure to define and explain these terms and how they are represented in this song. These terms should be terms or concepts that we have covered during the semester.
Be sure to fully define and describe each of the terms/concepts as well as demonstrate their relation to the song via the quoted lyrics.
Conclude by wrapping up your thoughts and providing an overall summary of the song. Taking this micro-level analysis, explain what this song is saying about the overall society or any larger social issues you feel this song is addressing.
