US/VA Government- Dr. Gilchrist
Political Song Analysis


One of the most powerful of the 9 types of media is music.  Political music has been a tradition as long as this nation has existed.  Your purpose through this assignment is to find and analyze one song that makes a clear statement about government, politics, and/or society.

DUE:  Tuesday, November 28th (8th );  Wednesday,  November 29th  (1st & 7th )

Worth : 85 points

Select a song that you think makes a statement about government (it may represent the way government is, should be;  the good it does, the harm it does, in other words, it should be, on some level, about government and politics).

The song may be old or new, from any musical genre, from any artist (including yourself), and in any language.  Please do not let your lack of music or recording equipment slow you down.  COME SEE ME FOR HELP soon if you know you are going to have trouble. Some suggestions may be found at the following site: http://www.portfolios.gmu.edu/mgilchri/PoliticalSongs.htm/.

CRITERIA:

  1. LYRICS:  You must turn in a NEAT copy of the lyrics (in English, if your song is not).  (15 points).  Attached, you will write a two-page,  five paragraph, well-developed paper.
  1. PAPER (50 points total)- Explain how the song is about government/society.  A complete and correct explanation about what the songwriter is saying about government.  (30 points, based on the fullness and accuracy of your answer)v .  Full credit will be given ONLY to those papers that use SPECIFIC examples from the lyrics to prove your point.  You must use AT LEAST THREE EXAMPLES to prove your point. 
  1. The paper must be typed, doubled spaced (size 12 font).  Grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. will be taken into account. (10 points)
  1. OPINION/SELF REFLECTION:  You must include a paragraph on your opinion of the message.  Do you agree with it?  Do you disagree?  Can you relate at all?  Does it make you feel happy? sad?  angry?  patriotic? (10 points)
  1. PRESENTATION:  You will present your ideas to the class on the day this is due.  If you can, please bring a copy of the song on CD or cassette, and be prepared to play the song, and explain it and your reflection to the class in a 3-5 minute presentation. (10 points)

 

POLITICAL SONG ANALYSIS
Grading Rubric

 

LYRICS- Typed out on separate piece of paper.  ______/15points

PAPER-
            Content- 3 supporting paragraphs from different passages, with proper explanation ______/30 points

            Grammar- spelling, mechanics, punctuation- ______/15 points

            Proper Length, presentation (typed) _____/5 points

 

OPINION/SELF REFLECTION- _____/10 Points

PRESENTATION- Ideas/opinions presented;  preparation for presentation _____/10 points

 

 

TOTAL- ______/85 points

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