Music Workshop Research Paper

Due:  Tuesday, April 2, 2002 at 11:00AM

     The topic of this research paper will be any musical controversial artist/group you choose.  For example, Rage Against the Machine.  The paper must be 3-5 pages, typed with a usual font—for ex. Times New Roman—no more than 12 in size, double-spaced.  You must do this paper by yourself.  In this paper, you will answer the following questions but not necessarily in this order and not in “list” fashion.  You should incorporate your answers into your paper so that they flow naturally out of it.  This is, after all, a research paper.  Questions— 

1) Why is this artist/musical group controversial?
Choose a particular song (give me a CD or cassette of it, if you can—I’ll give it back if you write that you need it back), then discuss what makes that particular song controversial.  (Include lyrics on a separate sheet of paper, not included as one of the 3-5 pages.)

2) What sanctions or criticisms have various groups placed on the group because of its controversial nature?
 If the group is popular, explain what you think makes the group so popular despite its controversial nature.

Most controversial musical groups/artists want to make a statement or “argument” for something. 

3) What argument/s does this artist/group make?  How does the artist/group make these arguments?  Is it effective?  If so, why do you think it is effective?  Do you believe the statements or “arguments” this artist/group makes are valid?  Do you agree?  Disagree?  Why?

4) Do you think this artist/group will continue to be popular?  What aspect of society might make this so?  If they have already broken up or stopped making music, why?  If they are still together, why?  What makes the group appear to have or not have “staying power” or the ability to be popular for many years?

5) In what particular way has this artist’s/group’s ideas affected you personally?  Be specific.

6) Artists outside the music world make controversial “arguments” also—artists such as painters.  Do you think music is better at “arguing” than these other mediums of art?  Why do you think so?  What is it (or isn’t it) about music that makes it particularly good at arguing?  Do the people receiving these arguments know they are the target of such persuasion?  What ethical questions might the problem of whether or not people know they are targets produce?  Are they valid concerns?  Why?  Why not?

If you have any questions, please e-mail me, Sherry Wilder, at KDWilder@earthlink.net
State your question in as few words as possible without being too vague.  I’ll answer as soon as I can.