The final project can take several different forms.  One obvious form would be a research paper; others might include a web site or alternative form of presentation, a paper based on interviews or other non-text sources, or a project based upon participation.

Some topic suggestions might include:

1. a biography of a significant figure in popular music. This could be a composer, a performer, a group, or anyone else associated with the music or its performance.  Get some idea of names, dates, places, and historical context, but pay attention to the “life stories.”  In other words, try to get a sense of what it might have been like to be that person.  What advantages or disadvantages did they have?  What was their relationship to the music during their lifetime?  You may want to supplement your biography with comments from several sources. Go beyond what we discuss in class.
2. Compare film portrayals of artists with their actual history. What do the films do well or poorly? What is lost or gained in the film portrayal of the individual?
3. Document the history of a particular genre; it would be best to pick a genre that we do not discuss thoroughly in class.
4. Discuss the internet as a means of advertising or music transmission.
5. A particular technological advance, such as multi-track recording, the synthesizer, or the drum machine.

 The paper should be typed, double spaced, etc., about 7-9 pages.  I am also willing to consider alternative project ideas.

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