Writing

04.30 / Mariam

Write an essay of 2000-2200 words on ONE of the topics below.

You have a choice of a self-directed topic (Topic 1) or set topics (Topics 2-3). For all topics, you are advised to discuss your chosen topic, and especially your choice of examples/case studies, with the module leader at an early stage in your research. Essays should be analytical as well as historical and/or descriptive (i.e. they should answer the question ‘why’ and not just ‘what’), and should describe and analyse the social and cultural contexts for the music under discussion. You will need to provide a critical discussion that situates your chosen case study within the context of the scholarly literature on popular music. You should use at least FIVE peer-reviewed secondary sources.

Topic 1: Self-directed topic

Write an essay on a topic of your own devising directly related to some aspect of the module. You should include examples or case studies (e.g. genres, songs, artists) that allow you to engage both with musical details and with wider social and cultural issues. You should also discuss the topic with the module leader in module tutorials or Student Consultation and Feedback Hours.

Topic 2: Cultural Contact in British Popular Music

With specific reference to case studies of one or two musical artists, genres or styles, discuss how popular musics in Britain have emerged from – and have been transformed by – cultural contact and exchange brought about by the movement of people and music. You may want to reference the role of music in relation to topics such as identity, the British Empire, colonialism or technology.

Topic 3: Popular Music and Politics in Britain

With specific reference to case studies of one or two musical artists, genres or styles, discuss the political significance of music in Britain. You could consider topics such as music’s use in political protest, in the self-representation and/or persecution of minority ethnic groups, or the ways in which popular musics have been perceived as transgressive (e.g. illegal, shocking, immoral).

Specific Assessment Criteria

Marks will be awarded according to the Department of Music’s assessment criteria for written work (click here). Their application will be guided by the following additional criteria:

• Argument. How balanced, informed, clear and convincing are your arguments?
• Organisation. Is the essay well structured, with evidence from case studies building up to convincing conclusions?
• Case-Study Analysis. How accurate, detailed and reflective is your reading of individual case studies?
• Research and literature. How well does your essay engage with peer-reviewed literature relevant to the topic and especially to specific arguments you make?
• Style, referencing and formatting. Are borrowed ideas referenced appropriately, and are they properly formatted as detailed in Cite them right online?