1. Using information about the 1960s (pop, soul, folk, blues revivals, and acid rock), describe the changing relationship between music and society in America throughout the decade. Provide 3 examples from different genres in comparing and contrasting the roles that music played in social and political life. Highlight how each example demonstrates a change in music’s role from what came before, and how each demonstrates a consistency. (500 Words)
2. The 1970s presented a sharp break from what we have been seeing in the 1960s, both musically and in larger cultural trends. Describe three ways in which this break manifested. Two should be musical, referencing stylistic, economic, aural, or philosophical shifts within the music of specific artists. The third example must be cultural or economic, in which you will identify and describe one way in which the society shifted, either an inspiration for or reflection of the musical changes you highlighted. (500 Words)
3. Outline the history and relevance of salsa. Where and how did it originate? How is it similar or different from other genres of music that we have described so far this semester? Who were the main stars, and how did each contribute to the development of the musical style? Use specific examples to describe significant musical, social, and cultural elements. (500 Words)
4. How has the cult of celebrity influenced pop culture? Why is the role of musical celebrities important to society? Discuss the role of music celebrities as part of mainstream American musical culture? (500 Words)
5. Explain why you think hip hop became so popular initially in urban areas and then spread quickly throughout the USA. What aspects of hip hop and its four related art forms were appealing to American youths? What was empowering about it? Why was it feared by certain segments of the American population (government, religious institutions, etc.? (500 Words)
6. Discuss the dynamics of 1990s hip hop. Particularly, explain why you think that gangsta rap and hip hop co-existed? Which factors led to the success and eventually demise of both sub genres? Which markets did these music’s cater to? How did this impact the music and public perceptions of hip hop? Use specific examples. (500 words)
7. Hip hop has been exported to countries throughout the world. Discuss why this music has become in countries outside of the USA? Are there certain cultural or artistic threads that unite these different regional styles of hip hop? Describe in detail any similarities or differences you observed between American hip hop and Brazilian hip hop. (500 words)
8. Define Hip Hop. Explain its popularity. Name 3 prominent artists. (250 words)
9. Discuss the importance of the electric guitar to rock’n’roll and popular music in general. Why did it become iconic of rock’n’roll? Name 3 famous guitarists. (250 words)
10. How has technology impacted the development and consumption of popular music? Use specific examples of technology and discuss three different time periods (ex. swing era, 1960s, 1980s). Make sure to define popular music and technology. Explain in detail how this technology was able to change popular music in its respective time-period. (750 words)
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