Assignment 3
Three Processes of Human Attribution/Denial in Music
Instructions: Music is an important aspect of several cultures and can be used to share what that artist (and perhaps by extension, their culture) values as well as how they understand the world. Sometimes, this even means how they understand the human concept. For this assignment, you will be tasked to find a song that has something about the attribution or denial of the human concept and you will be expected to analyze the song through the course material on the three distinct processes (dehumanization by default, associative, and functional). Songs may be in a language that is not English but you will be expected to provide a translation for the lyrics you are using to support your arguments (this can be copied and pasted, along with a source, at the end of the assignment).
If you cannot think of or find a song that fits this, you can choose from the playlist that I have made available on eClass (and some others on the bottom of this document). Some of the songs are ones I thought of from my own library but I have also added some that previous students (who are less out of touch than I am) who have used for the assignment. There is a good variety of genres as well. Also, the song you choose doesnt have to be completely related to one of the three processes in its entirety but there has to be some part of the song that is relevant. If, by chance, you want to create a song for this assignment, that is also allowed (I just have to be able to hear it).
Once you find a song, address the following questions.
1) What is the song, who wrote/performed it, and what is it about? Provide some context for the song to help the reader understand your thoughts. This can include the history of the song (why it was written) or your interpretation of the song, which may help frame relating it to one of the three processes. (1 points)
2) What does this song have to say about the human concept? This is a broad/general question as it can be applied in a lot of ways. How does the artist understand the human concept? Is the human concept depicted positively/negatively? Hopeful/pessimistic? An observation or cry for help? Is it a message for other people to hear or is it merely an expression of the artists state? (2 points)
3) How does it relate to one of the three processes? Use elements of the song (e.g., lyrics) to explain how this song relates to one of the three processes. Here, unlike other assignments in this course, you are expected to directly quote the song lyrics as that will help make the connections a bit clearer. However, directly quoting other sources, such as my lecture slides and the readings, should not be done. (5 points)
4) Using the song as a basis, what may happen as a result of the humanness attribution/denial? In other words, I am interested in what effect the song may have for the artist, the listener, and/or the culture. Does it make them feel better? Does it lead to some action? Does it lead to some change? Try to tie this to course content. (2 points)
To be honest, this assignment may require some creative thinking on your part as sometimes the song might not be too explicit whereas others may just be very upfront in terms of its message. Although it may be challenging, it can be quite fun (analyzing songs is good times). That said, if you can make the connections, there should be nothing to worry about; just make your arguments clear.
Format/Additional Requirements (not meeting format guidelines will result in loss of points):
You must use your own words, with the exception of song lyrics.
APA format
Font: 12 pt. Times New Roman
Margins: 1 (2.54 cm) all around
Page limit: None
Title-page: Not necessary
References and citations: Yes
