MUSIC 121: Writing about Music – Jazz
Midterm Exam – March 18, 3:25-4:25 PM
20% of final grade

The Midterm Exam is an in-class exam in which you will demonstrate your argument-driven writing skills based on the following questions:

1. Historians and critics have often portrayed the development of jazz as a narrative of progress. Their accounts suggest that jazz started as unsophisticated dance music but grew into increasingly complex forms, gradually gaining prestige and becoming recognized around the world as an art. Over that same period, the attitudes of cultural and institutional gatekeepers toward the music changed dramatically.

Those promoting this narrative of progress have emphasized innovation as a primary driving force, identifying new techniques, concepts, and structures that presumably inspired musicians to reach ever higher stages of development. While the narrative of progress is controversial, it is one prevalent way of drawing jazz’s musical and social changes from decade to decade.

Drawing from the class lectures, discussions, and reading assignments, (1) summarize jazz’s narrative of progress and (2) argue why you agree or disagree and state the reasons as to why. Be sure to cite the perspectives of at least two authors from the readings.

2. Analyze and interpret the lyrics of one of the following songs: “Strange Fruit,” by Billie Holiday; “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” by Ma Rainey; and “The World’s Jazz Crazy and So Am I,” by Trixie Smith. As we practiced in class, be sure to refer to the sonic and lyrical observables of the song for your analysis and make an argument for your interpretation based on your analysis.

The exam is open book. You may use your lecture notes, outlines, or any other notes you bring to class. However, phones, tablets, and laptops will not be allowed. I suggest that you not consult A. I.  platforms as you prepare for the exam (or do so VERY carefully). I highly recommend that you outline your answers in advance.

Your answers will be graded on the following criteria: Does it address the question? Does it resource the lecture notes and the readings? Is the argument clear? Are the citations correct? Write clearly and reserve enough time to edit your writing. Be sure your handwriting is legible.

Grading breakdown: 10 points per question for a total of 20 points

10 = Answers the question, resources lectures and readings, clear and ORIGINAL, CREATIVE, and CRITICAL argument, citations are resourcefully elaborated, no major spelling/grammar issues.

9 = Answers the question, resources lectures and readings, clear and CREATIVE and CRITICAL argument, citations are resourcefully elaborated, no major spelling/grammar issues.

8 = Answers the question, resources lectures and readings, clear and CRITICAL argument, citations are resourcefully elaborated, no major spelling/grammar issues.

7 = Answers the question, resources lectures and readings, somewhat clear argument, citations are resourcefully elaborated, no major spelling/grammar issues.

6 = Answers the question, resources lectures and readings, attempt at clear argument, citations are resourcefully elaborated, no major spelling/grammar issues.

5 = Answers the question, resources lectures and readings, no argument, citations are resourcefully elaborated, no major spelling/grammar issues.

4 = Answers the question, resources lectures and readings, no argument, citations are merely summarized, no major spelling/grammar issues.

3 = Answers the question, somewhat resources lectures and readings, no argument, citations are merely copied, no major spelling/grammar issues.

2 = Answers the question, somewhat resources lectures and readings, no argument, citations are merely copied or absent, no major spelling/grammar issues.

1= Answers the question, somewhat resources lectures and readings, no argument, citations are merely copied or absent, major spelling/grammar issues.

0= Does not address the question, may or may not resource lectures and readings, no argument, citations are merely copied or absent, major spelling/grammar issues