Spring Quarter: Research Logs

Research Log No. 4

Prospectus

Writing the prospectus definitely helped organize a lot of thoughts and ideas that have I've been forming as I research. It really helped me to put all my arguments in one place and thread through one overarching concept.

I've been reading through a lot of sources, so it was nice to have a way of really thinking through what I want to add to the scholarly conversation.

Prospectus

Expanding the Range of Topics

Before, I was focusing more specifically on how In Utero tackled Misogyny, but upon listening to the album more, I realized I would be amiss if I neglected their messaging against homophobia. So I've already found some more sources and I'm opening up my topic to include both of these issues. I've also been making a lot of progress in the book I had gotten before, and I've learned a lot about the music world in their time. The content in the book really pushed me to recognize homophobia as a large issue that In Utero addresses as well as pointed out rock musicians to look into. For example, Led Zeppelin and AC/DC were very popular in their time, and I'm looking more into their music to see what problems arise.

Choosing a Medium

I definitely want to incorporate audio in my presentation of this project. I think it would be very useful to have clips of Nirvana's In Utero and other rock music that built up the world at the time. I truly just don't think it makes any sense to not include musical clips. I'm trying to decide if I would rather it be a visual thing, or if it would be more interesting to do a short podcast of sorts.

Podcast Format

Can definitely include musical elements, and it will be a main focus
Requires less preparation and editing than a video
Might be less engaging

Video Format

Also can include musical elements
Takes a lot of time to film and edit
Far more engaging
Visuals might detract from the weight of the music

In an ideal world, I'd really prefer to do a video format. I'm trying to consider the time I have and the feasibility of doing this, however. So it'll be something to think about. But I DEFINITELY want audio at the very least to include music.

Next Steps:

Finishing the book Come As You Are: The Story of Nirvana
Pulling specific evidence and information from my primary and secondary sources
Outlining and drafting a paper

References

Fast, Susan. "Rethinking issues of gender and sexuality in Led Zeppelin: a woman's view of pleasure and power in hard rock." American Music (1999): 245-299.

“Led Zeppelin - Living Loving Maid (She’s Just a Woman) (Official Audio).” YouTube, 31 July 2020, youtu.be/-8MCijoQpfA.

Schippers, Mimi. "The social organization of sexuality and gender in alternative hard rock: An analysis of intersectionality." Gender & Society 14.6 (2000): 747-764.

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