Choose one of the following to write on for your final submission for Music 5.  There is no specific length I'll require, but just enough substantial information to validate the point you are making.  Your response should be no longer than 2 pages (about 600 words).  

1. Analyze the evolution of American popular music from 1900 to the present day, highlighting key genres, artists, and historical events that have shaped the industry. Be sure to include examples from at least three different decades.  We actually started this class with music from the late 1800s (ragtime, minstrel music, delta/acoustic blues), on through early jazz, etc.), so you have experienced plenty in this course to respond to this question.  It might be interesting, should you choose this prompt, to write about at least on artist that you enjoy from the 2000s, as this is an area we didn't get to very much in this course.  

2. Choose a specific theme or social issue (e.g. racism, feminism, war, technology) and explore how American popular music has addressed and reflected this issue from the early 20th century to the present day. Provide examples from at least four different genres or artists.

 3. Select one iconic American musician or band (e.g. Louis Armstrong, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, Beyoncé) and analyze their contribution to American popular music. How did their unique sound, style, and cultural context influence the music industry and society at large?