To what extent has hip hop contributed to social, and/or cultural and/or political change in America or globally?

The focus of the topic will be hip-hop

PROMPT:

According to The Library of Congress, “Americans from the colonial period to the present day have often practiced their right to freedom of speech through song. American songs have called attention to social causes, both criticized and advocated governmental social policies and provided a means of personal complaint on social issues. Songs are easily carried, demand attention, convey emotion, and can be performed in many contexts, with or without instrumentation, so they are a useful tool for the furtherance of causes. The message they carry can be direct or veiled, so giving power to people whose power may be socially restricted.”

Over the next few weeks you will choose a song, artist, musical movement, and/or musical genre and extensively research this song’s/ genre’s/ artist’s/ movement’s connection or relation to social or cultural change in America or globally, as you answer the question:

To what extent has the [artist/ musician/song/band/genre/movement of your choice] contributed to social, and/or cultural and/or political change in America or globally?

The Research Proposal

In Essay #3, you will research and evaluate an issue “in general” looking at the big picture and identifying multiple issues and instances, while proposing solutions or fostering conclusions. The focus of Essay #3 is to actively research your topic, evaluate multiple academic and popular sources, and then create a working guide (or proposal) that you will use to complete Essay #4.

Unlike a “traditional” argumentative essay (like you completed in Essay #1 & Essay #2) in Essay #3, you will craft a formal Research Proposal, composed of the following items:

1. WORKING PROPOSAL: (2-3 paragraphs; background and context) 

2. STATEMENT OF RESEARCH TOPIC, ISSUE, or PROBLEM: (4 paragraphs)

• Paragraph 1: Your thesis and main goal

• Paragraphs 2 & 3: An evaluation of academic outside sources and what they have to say on your topic, what you have learned from your sources, and how you plan to use your sources in your research

• Paragraph 4: A personal reflection on your topic 

1. ESSENTIAL RESEARCH QUESTIONS: (1-2 paragraphs)

2. SONGS/ARTISTS/GENRES CONSIDERED (at least 5 songs/artists/genres, with rational)

3. ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY (Eight sources) Each annotation should include:

• MLA citation

• SAR paragraph of 5 sentences where you summarize, assess, and reflect on the source and author

• At least eight (8) annotated sources

• Four (4) must be academic

Important Details

• Please Use MLA Formatting

• Include an Annotated Bibliography & Works Cited page

• Essays should be 5 pages (plus 8 annotated bibliographies)