Second Essay Prompt

Option 2: The Soundtrack of American History

Due December 8
• Does history have a soundtrack? In what ways do musicians draw on
the events taking place around them to inform their music? For this
assignment, you are responsible for finding a song that was inspired
by political, cultural, or economic events between the years of 1896
and 2008 and that draws upon the history of a particular era. The
song must have been produced at the time it is referencing (meaning
you can’t use a song talking about WWII that was actually written in
1995). You are then responsible for writing a 4-5 page paper
discussing the historical period that produced the song, the
motivation of the writer and/or musicians, and an analysis of the
lyrics itself.  
 Essay Prompt
• You must turn in a proposed topic by December 1. If you don’t,
then you will lose one letter grade off of your final essay grade.
• A bibliography and footnotes are required for this assignment.
Please consult the Chicago Manual of Style for your
bibliography and footnotes.
•  *Aside from the song itself, you must cite at least two other
sources. They can be articles(online or print) essays, books. You
must only use legitimate sources. If you are not sure about a
source, please email me.
• *Your essay should be double spaced with standard margins.
Your font should be no larger than 12 pt.
 Do’s and Don’ts
• Do not plagiarize. Cite all info that is not already known by most people.
When in doubt, cite your information.
• Do not spend your entire paper only discussing the song or the historical
era that produced your particular song. Your paper must analyze both.
• Do not use the lyrics of the song as a way to meet the page requirement
(4 pages).
• You must have at least 4 complete pages. 3 pages and 2 lines does not
count.
• Avoid using websites that resemble encyclopedias for sources.
• Try to find a way to connect the song to the present. What is the song’s
legacy?
• In addition to the lyrics, try to analyze the music.
• Please turn in your paper as either a Word Doc or a PDF. (Google Doc if
you need to)
 Recommended Outline
I. Introduction
A. Creative Opening (Your choice)
B. Main Argument/Thesis (End of first paragraph- “Don’t bury your lead”)

II. Analysis of Historical Period of Song

A. Summarize the major events/trends of the era
B. Describe the music/arts scene of the period
C. Explain how your artist/song is connected the era

III. Biography of the songwriter/composer/s

D. Upbringing
E. Professional Career
F. How Your Song was Composed
 Recommended Outline
IV. Analysis of Song
A. Lyrics
B. Music
C. Song’s effect on popular culture
D. Legacy

V. Conclusion
E. Restate main argument/thesis statement
F. Creative Ending (Your Choice)
 Chicago Style
• You must follow the Chicago Manual of Style for your footnotes and works cited
page.
• You do not need an annotated bibliography, just a list of sources that follow the
Chicago Style
 Feedback on Outlines/First Drafts
• You can send in outlines and/or rough drafts of your paper up to
two days before the deadline.
• If you email me before then, you will get my comments and
feedback.