In class you watched the film Under the African Skies (2012) The film makes some interesting observations on the complex reasons why we make and listen to music, and also what effects, small and large, music can have on society. It also speaks to the larger issue of commerce in the production and reception of popular music. I suggest re-watching at least part of the movie when preparing to write your paper. Remember to take notes on the film—pay close attention to important scenes and moments. There is a movie guide online that has questions to help you think through the film during and after viewing. As with the first essay, you can focus in on a single question, but answering that question is not an argument. Use The Method (discussed below) to develop an analysis that is supported by specific details from the film. In addition, be sure to include discussion of the musical sounds you hear in the film. How does the featured music interact with and shape your experience and analysis of the documentary?

IMPORTANT: Do NOT provide a plot summary of the film. This is an analysis and you only need to describe events of the film as they are relevant to your specific analysis. Providing a plot summary will lower your grade.

Along with the essay, you will also submit a 2–3 page Method exercise. A full description of this is available in the excerpt from Writing Analytically available on CANVAS (Writing_Analytically_6th_1-4.pdfPreview the documentView in a new window). Please read pages 26 to 35 in Writing Analytically. Here is a summary of The Method to give you an idea of what is involved. Be sure to follow the instructions in Writing Analytically for the actual assignment you hand in:

Create a list of observations about the film, then study those observations to see if there are any similar terms or ideas (what the authors of Writing Analytically call “strands”). Make note of any anomalies, elements of the film you found strange or difficult to understand. Rank these observations and ask “So What?”—So what that I noticed this or that about the film? This exercise will help you create the data that will help develop and then support your analysis.

All assignment must be submitted in hard copy at the beginning of Friday discussion class. Hard copies must be stapled together. Margins cannot be any larger than 1 inch for the top and bottom and 1.25 inches for the left and right side for the paper; font size must be 12 point. Put your name at the bottom of the last page and please number all pages. I will only accept late papers under extraordinary circumstances; if you know you won’t be in class or you will have another commitment that will prevent the timely completion of the assignment, start early.

Remember that clarity and order are of the utmost importance—spelling and grammar errors are unacceptable and will adversely affect your final grade. Finally, you must provide complete citations for your essay—any information or ideas you use that are not your own must be credited. I don’t care what particular format you use (MLA or Chicago, for instance), but you must be consistent. Please consult a style manual before handing in your paper. Lack of sufficient citations or inconsistency in formatting will seriously damage your final grade. For more information on writing and citation styles see <http://www.cas.usf.edu/english/wcntr/index.html>.

Finally, here is another PDF that provides some bullet points and examples of what to do and avoid when writing your papers. Pop Music Essay Guidelines.pdfPreview the documentView in a new window. Also here is a model essay from the last paper assignment (on a song of your choice). It represents all the kinds of things we want in this paper, even though the topic is different. Both this paper and the previous one require the same analytical and writing skills. Model Paper: Formation Essay.pdfPreview the documentView in a new window