Artist EP Project

Choose one artist that you believe is significant in American history, and create the perfect EP that represents the historical importance of them and their music in American history. You will discuss 4-5 songs that you have analyzed, using them as evidence to support your argument of the artist’s impact. Think about why the lyrics/musical elements/genre/style etc. are significant, and frame the importance in the context of history. You must prove you have critically listened to the music and understand the importance of both the artist and selected songs in American history. Think about this: an artist selling a lot of albums does not mean they are impactful. What about their music (how it is used/what it represents) makes them important?

You are required to cite any material you use from outside sources, and sources should be used.

  • Papers should be 5-7 pages in length. (Minimum 5 FULL pages) DOUBLE SPACED
  • 12 pt. font
  • 1-inch margins
  • Times New Roman font
  • Include a cover page that lists your EP selections in the order that you will discuss them
  • Include a works cited page that lists all sources at end of paper
  • Cover page and works cited not included in page count
  • Use at least 2 scholarly sources (books, articles, academically published works)
  • Citations should be Chicago style (footnotes) or MLA (parenthetical documentation)
  • Avoid contractions and colloquial phrases

I recommend creating a working thesis before you write to help shape and focus your paper: “Artist X is musically and historically significant because XYZ.” This will help organize your argument as you write.

Strong papers will contain body paragraphs that support a clear thesis. Your ideas should be well-supported using evidence through musical analysis and historical research. Be specific and avoid vague, broad statements about your artist and selected songs.

Late papers will be accepted up to one week after the due date, but your grade will be lowered one increment (i.e. B to B-) for each day late. Do NOT submit papers via email. Papers turned in more than one week late will not be accepted and a zero will be given for the assignment.

**All papers are due online on Friday, September 18th by 11:59 pm CST and must be uploaded on Turnitin via Brightspace. Papers not submitted on Turnitin will not be graded, resulting in a zero for the assignment.