Now that youve heard and seen a few examples of different types of traditional music, what are your impressions? Is any of what youve heard familiar to you in any way, or is it totally unlike what youre used to hearing? Do you have any traditional musicians in your family or vicinity?

1.3 Module 1 Group Playlist

Find some additional examples of traditional music on YouTube. Look first for Southern old-time fiddling, Tex- Mex/Conjunto music, and/or narrative ballads such as that sung by Furry Lewis in this weeks lectures.

Upload one or two videos to the class playlist on YouTube (see links to playlists below.)

In your Discussion original post, respond to this question: what makes the selections you chose traditional American folk music?

Remember, you must post one original response, AND respond to at least one other students post, in order to gain full credit for this (and all other) Discussions.

See links to Group Playlists:

Group 1 Playlist

Group 2 Playlist

Group 3 Playlist

Module 2 Discussions

2.1 Musical Performance in a Cultural Context

Bruno Nettl speaks of the need to place musical performance into a cultural context in order to make sense of the meaning and functions of the music in society. Based on the videos you have seen, what can you say about how music functions in the Cajun and/or Cape Breton communities?

2.2 Module 2 Group Playlist

Find some additional examples of Cajun and Cape Breton music on YouTube and upload them to the class playlist.

If you chose Cajun music, identify at least one identifying element of the performance in your original Discussion posteither musical or contextual. Do the same if you chose Cape Breton music. How does the context of the music contribute to its identity?

Remember that you must contribute at least one reply to another student as well as your original post in order to receive credit for your Discussion.

Module 3 Discussions

3.1 Differences in Regional Music

Can you discern differences between the music, both vocal and instrumental, of the different American regions presented in the lecture? Or does it all sound similar? Discuss your impressions.

3.2 Module 3 Group Playlist

Find one instrumental and/or vocal selection on YouTube that you think is representative of the Northern American regions; add one other selection you think is representative of the Southern American regions. Upload these to the class playlist. For this week, two selections are required for your upload.

For your original post, form an argument about why these selections are representative of these regions. You may use the lecture material, as well as your readings. Recall that you must reply to at least one other students post in order to be credited for this Discussion.

Module 4 Discussions

4.1 Polka Music

Youve read about the history of the polka and seen and heard people in many different American cultural groups enjoying listening to and dancing to polka music. What reasons can you think of to explain the widespread, and long-lasting, popularity of the polka?

4.2 Module 4 Group Playlist

Find either a polka played by American musicians or find a video of music from the First Nations and upload your selections to the class YouTube playlist.

In your original Discussion post, answer the following: What is the relationship between these musical forms, and particular dance? Does this association make these traditional music forms unique in America, or are there other such forms you can think of? What music music/dance associations have to do with the lasting popularity of the music? Remember to reply to at least one other students post for full credit for this Discussion.

Module 5 Discussions

5.1 Influences from African-American musical traditions

What influences from African-American musical traditions can you see in contemporary popular music(s)?

5.2 Module 5 YouTube Group Playlist

Can you find YouTube videos of performances that you think illustrate the development of rap music from earlier forms of popular music? Contribute what you find to the courses playlist.

After you upload your video choice to the playlist, post an original discussion. Defend your choices: why are these tracks important to understanding the evolution of rap? What elements can you identify that are adopted or modified by rap artists? Remember to respond to at least one other post in the Discussion, for full credit.

Module 6 Discussions

6.1 Commercialization on Traditional Music and Its Presentation

Discuss the effects of commercialization on traditional music and its presentation. How do traditional music forms change when they become popular and undergo commercialization?

6.2 Module 6 Group Playlist

In the lectures, several forms of popularized traditional music are discussed. Can you find YouTube videos of performances that you think illustrate the development of a popular music from earlier forms of traditional music? Contribute what you find to the courses playlist.

After you upload your video choice to the playlist, post an original discussion. Defend your choices: why are these tracks important to understanding the relationship between popular and traditional American music? Remember to respond to at least one other post in the Discussion, for full credit.