Student Project Assignment Instructions

MUS 110CL
Research Project – QEP Assignment
Guidelines and Rubric

Prepare a 3 page research paper on the music genre Reggae. In addition to describing the music you are reporting on, discuss how that music relates to issues of race,
class, gender, sexuality, or other definers of identity? Bear in mind that while lyrics and performance are important, you must address musical issues as well. Cite 3
-4 scholarly articles or books using APA style formatting for your resources for the research paper. Turnitin will be used when submitting your work, so ensure that
you cite your references in the text as well as at the end of your paper.

Please note,I willbe giving a live presentation using the information from this paper via PowerPoint in class. The presentation will alsoinclude a playlist of at least
8selections that are representative of the genre I am reporting on (Reggae). Therefore, please also include examples of Reggae artists in the paper that I can use to
reference the music selections. Please contact me if there are any questions via the website. Thanks so much for your help!!!

BELOW IS THE GRADING RUBIC FOR THIS PAPER-

Research Project:

PURPOSE:
[To Persuade your Reading Audience of a Convincing Position] Using the QEP guidelines, establish why you chose the genre or style of music that you are describing, and
what it represents in our culture.
Identification of purpose is vague and/or does not elaborate/
exemplify the purpose. Clearly identifies the purpose of the writing, with only limited elaboration /exemplification. Clearly identifies the purpose of the writing
using elaboration/exemplification and/or the vocabulary of the discipline (if appropriate).

Missing: 0 Inadequately Addressed: 8 pts. Adequately Addressed: 9 pts. Expertly Addressed: 10 pts.
QUESTION AT ISSUE:
Your thesis statement should IMPLY a guiding research question, e.g. Are the extreme examples of sexual and violent lyrics in later Hip Hop music a result of the
commercialization of the genre, or an authentic expression of the composer/performers’ experience?
Question is not stated or is not defined. An attempt to elaborate/exemplify is vaguely outlined. Question is not informed by the vocabulary of the discipline.
Clarifies the question through limited elaboration/ exemplification. Clarifies the question through elaboration/ exemplification. Question incorporates the language
of the discipline.

Missing: 0 Inadequately Addressed: 8 pts. Adequately Addressed: 9 pts. Expertly Addressed: 10 pts.
ASSUMPTIONS:
Assumptions are part of many creative products – sometimes a creative product deliberately goes against society’s assumptions. Identify any
assumptions that are part of the music genre that you chose. Avoid making sweeping generalizations or blanket statements that would represent an inappropriate use of
assumptions.
States assumptions without analysis. Relies on questionable assumptions Writing explicitly acknowledges the assumptions of the work, and grounds these assumptions in a
larger context (e.g., cultural background, gender) Writing explicitly addresses the assumptions of the work and grounds these assumptions in a larger context
(e.g., cultural background, gender). Includes in depth analysis of the assumptions ions based on the discipline
Missing: 0 Inadequately Addressed: 8 pts. Adequately Addressed: 9 pts. Expertly Addressed: 10 pts.
IMPLICATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES:
After analyzing the cultural context, what conclusions can be drawn? Generally speaking, your paper should not promote a neutral stance, i.e. Madonna’s music
represents a reversal of the cultural norm in the role of women in American society in the following ways…
Identification of implications and/or consequences are vague and do not show Identifies the implications of the position taken in the writing assignment and extends
this to identify potential consequences of these implications Identifies the implications of the position taken in the assignment, extends this to identify potential
consequences of these implications, and assesses the likelihood of various consequences
Missing: 0 Inadequately Addressed: 8 pts. Adequately Addressed: 9 pts. Expertly Addressed: 10 pts.
INFORMATION:
Because we are focusing on analysis and critique, these written assignments rely primarily on information provided by you and NOT on outside source. The information
that is obtained from outside sources should be cited appropriately using MLA style. Use scholarly articles – not information that cannot be verified.

Information used is incomplete, incorrect, or biased. Information used comes from reliable sources and is appropriate to the issue being addressed. Information
used comes from reliable sources within the discipline, is appropriate to the issue being addressed, and presents a coherent, clear picture of the issue.
Missing: 0 Inadequately Addressed: 8 pts. Adequately Addressed: 9 pts. Expertly Addressed: 10 pts.
CONCEPTS:
Several concepts should be CLEARLY stated in your introduction: Describe the social, economic, and philosophic paradigms that are behind the music that you chose to
write about. Do not give opinions that are not backed up by other sources, and/or the cultural context of the music.
Concepts are identified, but not clearly defined. No attempt to elaborate/ exemplify. Some concepts are clearly defined using elaboration/ exemplification. All
relevant concepts are clearly defined elaboration/ exemplification.
Missing: 0 Inadequately Addressed: 8 pts. Adequately Addressed: 9 pts. Expertly Addressed: 10 pts.
CONCLUSIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS:
Your conclusions (the deductions of your analysis that have led you to your thesis) should not appear to be foregone (inevitable) ones, e.g. “the music has a good beat
and makes me want to dance” with no further explanation. Also, your conclusions should not be supported only by subjective bias, e.g. “I like upbeat music, therefore
it is better than slower, meditative music.” It should appear to the reader that you have tried your best to present fair evidence for your critique of the genre.
Conclusions and interpretations are stated, but are not linked to information and/or may be based on bias or prejudice. Conclusions are stated in recognition
of information, assumptions, and consequences. Conclusions are stated in recognition of information, assumptions, and consequences. Conclusions and interpretations
are identified and distinctions are made between information and interpretations of information.
Missing: 0 Inadequately Addressed: 8 pts. Adequately Addressed: 9 pts. Expertly Addressed: 10 pts.
POINTS OF VIEW:
Try to address the weaknesses in your arguments, i.e., acknowledge other possibilities that any opponents to your stance will likely posit as a retort. Remember too
that any form of stereotyping—on your part—or bias based on gender, age, class, culture, ethnicity, or belief system demonstrates a limited point-of-view and should be
avoided. However, it is appropriate to point out how limited points of view have been used by the “messenger” of the text in the texts message (e.g. whose point of
view is presented in the songs of Stephen Foster?).
Acknowledges existence of more than one point of view, but considers only one. More than one point of view is explained, including the point(s) of view of the
discipline. More than one point of view is explained, including the point(s) of view of the discipline. Points of view are evaluated for relevance to this
particular assignment.
Missing: 0 Inadequately Addressed: 8 pts. Adequately Addressed: 9 pts. Expertly Addressed: 10 pts.
SLU CORE VALUES:
The SLU Core Values are PRICER: Personal Development, Responsible Stewardship, Integrity, Community, Excellence, and Respect. The SLU Website defines them here:
http://www.saintleo.edu/About-SLU/Florida-Catholic-University, in your student guidebook, and in your undergraduate course catalog. Be sure to cite which source you
use for your definition (they appear in slightly different forms in different sources).

Core value(s) implied but not specifically addressed in the writing. Core value(s) are addressed with relevance stated, but not integrated throughout the critical
thinking elements. Core value(s) are addressed with relevance stated, and are integrated throughout the critical thinking elements.
Missing: 0 Inadequately Addressed: 8 pts. Adequately Addressed: 9 pts. Expertly Addressed: 10 pts
DECISION-MAKING:
In this assignment, your ultimate “decision” (drawn ideally from conventional critical thinking techniques and the SLU core values) is represented as a thesis/position
statement in your introduction and conclusion, e.g. “Death Metal music gives America’s youth an appropriate/or inappropriate outlet for violent emotions in a
relatively controlled atmosphere (that of the concert venue), and as such provides a harmless (or harmful) cathartic
experience for the fans/audience.
The decision made is based only on some of the information presented. The decision made is based on the culmination of most steps to critical thinking and addresses
the core values. The decision made is based on the culmination of all the steps to critical thinking and explicitly addresses the role of core values along with
the values of the discipline.
Missing: 0 Inadequately Addressed: 8 pts. Adequately Addressed: 9 pts. Expertly Addressed: 10 pts