Consultation

The instructor came with the following request:

Class size: 24

I need help designing a research paper for my students that takes a deep dive into their favorite song and artist. I would like for them to research about the musician and any information about the song. This paper is based off of an assignment I used to give when I was teaching high school. I want to see how I can incorporate various research skills into this paper, and take it from high school assignment to college-level paper. I would also love for a librarian to come in to teach research strategies as part of the process of completing the paper. This is also my 2nd time teaching ENGL 105 and I want to talk more about meeting the information literacy component of the course through collaborating with the library.

Based on my discussion with the instructor, we had three consultation meetings lasting an hour each. During these meetings, we reviewed the lesson plans and discussed ways for the instructor to improve the assignment questions. 

• Ideological oppression - what is the impression of ideology from my community or culture? How does it play on the institutional level - Institutional oppression

• "Aspect of a culture: How do social issues relate to people's own experiences?"

What is culture upholding the issue continues to happen 

• Toxic masculinity

• Anti-black history

I then presented the revised plans for her consideration.

Research Focus and Questions examples:

• Artist Background: Have students research the artist's biography, influences, and cultural or societal role.

• How did the artist's upbringing and background shape their music?

• What ideologies, communities, or movements have influenced the artist?

• Song Analysis: Students can dive into the song’s lyrical themes, production, reception, and its impact.

• What social, cultural, or political messages are embedded in the song?

• How does the song address or challenge societal issues like institutional oppression, toxic masculinity, or cultural ideologies (e.g., anti-Blackness)?

• Cultural and Societal Context: Encourage students to reflect on the societal issues their chosen song addresses and relate it to their personal or cultural experience.

• How does the song relate to broader societal issues or cultural movements?

• How does the song resonate with their own community or culture, and how does it speak to institutional or ideological oppression?

Structure of the Research Paper Requirement

• Introduction: Introduce the song, artist, and a thesis that ties together the personal, cultural, and societal significance.

• Background Section: Detail the artist's life and influences, exploring their role in popular culture or social movements.

• Song Analysis: Analyze the song’s themes, both lyrically and musically, and how it connects to broader societal or cultural issues (e.g., institutional oppression, toxic masculinity).

• Cultural Reflection: Ask students to draw parallels between the song’s message and their own experiences or cultural background.

• Conclusion: Wrap up by considering how music can both reflect and challenge societal norms and ideologies.

(Proposed  Library instructions) Research Skills and Information Literacy Components 

 Integrating the library into this process would emphasize research strategies, credible sources, and ethical use of information:

Lesson 1

• Locating Sources: Show students how to find academic and credible sources on their artist and song using databases like JSTOR and Academic One Search (Ebsco). Include primary and secondary sources (interviews, articles, reviews, academic studies).

• Evaluating Credibility: Teach them how to assess the credibility of sources, focusing on peer-reviewed journals, books, and authoritative music criticism sites.

Lesson 2

• Citation Skills: Emphasize the importance of proper citation using MLA styles, particularly when analyzing song lyrics, music history, or cultural issues.