Definition

Writing and Submission Requirements

Due: Wednesday, October 15th @ 9:35am 
Length: 1200 words

Format: Academic-specific citation style. 12-pt Times New Roman font, double spaced, 1" margins, name and date, paginated

Submission: Turn in to Turn It In and turn in as a hard copy at the beginning of class. Include all drafts, brainstorming, and peer reviews in a labeled folder. Working drafts should be in the left pocket with the final draft in the right pocket.
Point Value: 100

Assignment Prompt and Context

For this assignment, you will define a term related to music and its various representations in culture(s). Given the short length of the paper, remember that specificity is key. "Music" or even "hip-hop" is incredibly broad, so "horrorcore," "sampling," "swag," "twerking," or "Beyonce," might be easier to cover adequately. The range of possibilities here is immense, so choose thoughtfully when you decide which music culture and what aspect of that culture you will write about.

Additionally, you will incorporate at least one (but no more than three!) source(s) into your paper. You will only use these sources to further your argument -- you will provide your own definition, so do not cite a dictionary, Wikipedia, or other similar online encyclopedia. 

The following criteria will be necessary to address throughout the essay:

• Define necessary terms to make the argument
• Provide a specific, thoughtful, original, and defensible definition/definitions
• Compare and contrast your definition with another author's definition
• Explore the larger context within which your term appears
• Explain the significance of defining the term
• Remember your audience! For this essay, your instructor is your audience, so your writing should remain academic. 

Since we are still in the early stages of understanding what music cultures are, you are open to choose one of the following hip-hop culture prompts to write on. Of course, you do not have to choose one of these prompts, as you are free to write on whatever topic you like.

Film and television:

• Is Thugnificent a rapper? (The Boondocks)
• Is hip-hop cinematic?
• Does "Love & Hip Hop" portray love and hip-hip? 

Fashion:

• Is Young Jeezy's Snowman shirt Gothic fashion?
• Are Kanye West's fashion designs haute couture?

Music/Celebrity:

• Is Nicki Minaj a boss ass bitch?
• Is Tyler, the Creator a horrorcore artist?
• When is Miley Cyrus a hip-hop artist?
• Who is the greatest rapper of all time?

Etc.

• What is swag?
• What is c.r.e.a.m.?

Of course, you don't have to choose one of these prompts and I urge you to create your own prompt. Whichever prompt you decide upon, you will need to discuss your choice with me so we can work together on how you will go about defining your term.

Grading Criteria

In order to receive a satisfactory grade on this assignment, the essay adheres to the following specific guidelines in addition to those defined in the syllabus: 

• Correctly cites and includes at least one source which supports the argument, without misrepresenting the source
• Have a strong introduction with a clear thesis statement that defines a specific term
• Uses clear transitions between ideas
• Employs a strong conclusion which addresses the larger context of the issue
• Follows directions for submission guidelines

 For further grading criteria, please view the rubric.