MUSC258: Popular Song: Words and Music

Assignment 1: Contribution to class discussion 1 x 20%

Students are required to contribute to ONE class discussion on specified topics in Weeks 3, 4, 6, 7, 8,
9, or 11. The contribution will consist of presenting a song or poem that demonstrates or contributes
to the discussion topic and the reading supplied for that week.

Name: _________________________________ Date: __________________

Song/Poem: ___________________________________________________

Topic: ________________________________________________________

Criteria Mark 5 x 4 marks
1. Present your song or poem which may be
performed live or in any pre-recorded
version. If the song or poem is more than 3
minutes long, please choose a relevant
excerpt for demonstration.

This mark includes the appropriateness of the song
in relation to the chosen topic.
2. Explain why you think your chosen song or
poem demonstrates or contributes to the
discussion topic and the reading(s)
supplied for that week.


3. Put the song or poem into context genre,
history, musical characteristics, performers,
fans.



4. Discuss the meaning of the lyrics (please
have a copy of the lyrics available). Identify
any poetic or lyrical devices that impact on
the song or poem.


5. Discuss the impact of the musical setting of
the song. How do the musical elements
enhance or perhaps detract from the
meaning of the song?
If you have chosen a poem, comment on
the inner musicality of the writing rhythm,
rhyming, meter, form, tone colour,
dynamics.



TOTAL

20