OBJECTIVE: In lieu of a full-fledged independent research project in music history (this semester), you will read, discuss and report collectively on a topic within your text book. The purpose of this project is to prepare you for independent research in more advanced music history courses.

In the course of this project you will do the following:

• Assemble a group of six (6) students.
• Choose a topic from the list below.
• Read and discuss the topic as a group.
• Collectively prepare and deliver a brief class presentation on the topic.
• Submit a single neat copy of the group's written summary of the topic.

STEP 1: Assemble the Group

Groups must consist of six members from the same section of MUL 2014.

Each group must pick a leader, who is the only person who communicates with the instructor. Each group will be identified by its leader, and the graded item for the group will be submitted by the leader.

The group should consider itself a "committee of equals," with the labors of the assignment divided equally among all six. Specifically, not every member of the group must participate in every task, but you should divide the work so that all members contribute equally. (See below on how you might divide the work.)

STEP 2: Choose a Topic and Acquire a Copy of the Score

1. By mutual consent, the group should select at least three possible topics from the list below (bottom of the page).
2. The group leader must then submit the three ordered choices to me via email, and wait for my approval before proceeding with the project. NB., When submitting your choices, give full and clear identifications of your choices.
3. NB. Only one group may report on a topic, so choices will be approved on a "first come" basis.
4. Choices will be approved within about 48 hours (or sooner), and those topics will not be available for choice by a later group. If all of your group's choices are taken, you will be advised to re-submit three new choices from the remaining topics. The process continues until every group has a topic.

STEP 3: Read and Discuss Your Topic

1. As soon as possible, every member of the group should read the relevant pages in the textbook and listen to the music example(s), and multiple readings may be helpful. The first time through, read for the general flow and structure of the article. What information is presented, or what argument is put forth, and how? Note especially any references to people, places, concepts, musical or non-musical terms, etc., with which you may not be familiar.
2. After your first time through the text, look up any unfamiliar terms, etc. You need not do extensive research on these new or unfamiliar terms, but you must know enough to understand the concepts when you re-read it. For basic music information, use:
   • The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (REF ML100 .N48 2001 or use the electronic version of this item by following the link under “Electronic Resources” on the UCF Library web site).
   • Another potential source of information is The New Harvard Dictionary of Music (REF ML100 .N485 1986)
   • Other music reference tools found in the REF ML100 area of the library.
   • Beware of just "surfing the web." While there may be useful and generally correct information on the web, look carefully at the source of any information that you bring from outside the text.
   • If you are unable to locate what you need in these or other basic sources, ask me. I will help you, but only if you can show me a list of the sources that you have already consulted. (Keep track of any research that you do.)
3. Re-read the text (or portions of it) as many times as necessary until you really understand it. Pay closer attention to the details as you become more familiar with the text. What evidence is put forth to support the argument? How does the author proceed from one point to the next in the argument?
4. When you have read and re-read the text to the point that you believe you truly understand it, you should discuss it with your group members. Do you all agree on the general ideas presented or not? If not, work out your differences before attempting to prepare your presentation and guide.

STEP 4: Prepare an Oral Presentation and Study Guide on Your Topic

1. Only when your group understands and agrees on the contents of your article, should you prepare your presentation.
2. While everyone shares in the work (and the final grade), not everyone must participate in every stage of the preparation. Among the tasks that may be delegated to individuals are:
   • Specific additional research assignments.
   • Close analysis of the music examples.
   • Organizing the oral presentation (writing out a lesson plan).
   • Giving the oral presentation. (Hint. This is best restricted to no more than 2 people.)
   • Operating the CD player and sound system.
   • Typing the study guide.
   • Proofreading the guide.
   • Anything else that you can think of.
3. Remember the following important points about your oral presentation:
   • First, your presentation should be a summary (and expansion) on the contents of the text. You are not simply to read the text to the class. Rather, you are the expert guides to this music.
   • Second, do not waste your time with excessive background materials. Better will be quick references to important points of history, relevant musical terms, and how the music relates (or not) to other pieces studied in the course.
   • Third, give a general introduction to the piece(s) in your topic, noting the most important traits that define the sound of the piece (and the style it represents). You need not (and should not) simply play the entire work. Instead be able to play only a few most important excerpts.
4. The following rules and suggestions apply to your oral presentation:
   • The maximum time allowed for your presentation will be 15 minutes. If you exceed 18 minutes, your presentation will be stopped and the group's grade penalized.
   • You may present in any fashion you wish, but remember that complex arrangements, e.g., multiple readers, frequent switching of recordings, etc., will eat into your time. Keep your presentation simple.
   • You may present information on people, music, etc., related to the topic, but not explicitly included in your text. Always remember, however, who and what are the topic of your presentation. Failure to cover the topic adequately will result in a lower grade.
   • Again, not every member of your group must participate in the presentation, although everyone in the group must help with the preparation.
5. Within 48 hours after your presentation, your group must submit (electronically) a one-page study guide for your topic.
6. The format of your guide will be as follows:
   • The item must be produced via a wordprocessing program that is compatible with WORD.
   • The item will be a single sheet, typed in 12-point type on plain 8-1/2” by 11” paper, with 1” margins on all 4 sides of the text.
   • Start with a title that identifies the chapter and works covered, and the names of all members of the group who produced the item.
   • Provide a brief prose summary of the topic, i.e., one paragraph that simply notes the most important points covered in the chapter.
   • Next, add 3-4 study questions, similar to the ones on my review sheets, for the topic itself.
   • Add 1-2 study questions for each Listening Guide. These should simply be cues to the most important sound traits of the examples.

STEP 5: Submitting Your Guide and Grading Criteria

• DUE DATE (PRESENTATION): Reports will be given in the order posted below, begining on Monday, 30 November 2009, and continuing on the following Friday and Monday. You will be notified at least one class in advance of the day your group is to present
• DUE DATE (STUDY GUIDE): Your Gude is to be submitted to me no more than 48 hours after your presentation. NB., You must submit your paper as an electronic file in an email attachment that is in WORD (or a compatible format).
• This project will count for 10% of your course grade.
• Within the project itself, the grade will be determined and awarded by the following:
  • 50% on the oral presentation, including such basic matters as accuracy of information, as well as the clarity and logic of your organization.
  • 50% on the quality of your written Study Guide, starting with grammar and spelling, as well as the accuracy of the information and the usefulness of the study questions.
• All six (6) members of the group will receive the same grade, unless at least three of the group (the other five individuals) indicate that a group member did not contribute equally to the paper. Students who do not contribute will receive a deduction proportional to their contribution, as indicated by the rest of the group.

The following potential topics are all found in the course textbook, The Enjoyment of Music, 10th edition, shorter. Note carefully, the pages and music examples involved in each topic.

• Chapter 71 - "Ragtime, Blues, and Early Jazz" - LGs 46 & 47: Scott Joplin, "Maple Leaf Rag" and Billie Holiday, "Billie's Blues" (pp. 378-385) - GROUP: Vanderhoof, et al.
• Chapter 72 - "The Swing Era and Beyond" - LG 48: Charlie Parker & Dizzy Gillespie, "A Night in Tunisa" (pp. 386-390) - GROUP: Nieves, et al.
• Chapter 73 - "Musical Theater" - LG 49: Leonard Bernstein, "West Side Story" (pp. 391-401) - GROUP: May, et al.
• Chapter 70 - "Nationalism in the Americas" - LG 43: Aaron Copland, "Billy the Kid, Scene I" (pp. 366-370)
• Chapter 77 - "Contemporary Composers..." (Important Experimenters) - LG 52: John Cage, "Sonata V, from Sonatas and Interludes" (pp. 427-430)
• Chapter 76 - "The New Age of Modern Virtuosity" - LG 51: George Crumb, "Ancient Voices of Children, 1st mvt" (pp. 424-426) - GROUP: Nichols, et al.
• Chapter 79 - "Technology and Music" - LG 57: Tod Machover, "Hyperstring Trilogy: Begin Again Again..." (excerpts) (pp. 450-458) - GROUP: Sherry, et al.
• Chapter 80 - "Some Current Trends" - LG 59: John Adams, "Tromba lontona" (pp. 459-465) - GROUP: Luckett, et al.
• Chapter 80 - "Some Current Trends" - LG 60: Libby Larsen, "Sonnets from the Portuguese, Nos. 5 and 6" (pp. 466-470)