Exceptionalism Exegesis

Students will select one of the cultural values case studies to be considered in Unit 2. In assigned groups, they will be responsible for interdisciplinary research on that theme and related musical productions, examining issues such as the broader context, historical accuracy, compositional choices, creator biographies, and public responses.

Students will be required to

1. submit a write-up presenting their findings [10%],
2. prepare an exercise to appear in the Anthem Analysis for their chosen week [5%], and
3. lead a group discussion around their case study [15%].

Students are not required to cover the entirety of the week’s material, nor are they expected to lead the full duration of the class period. Rather, students should choose the case study of most interest to them, and focus their examination, preparation, and presentation on that case study.

Summary Write-Up [10% of Final Grade]

The summary write-up is similar to an analytical essay, but does not need to be as long or formal. You need to highlight the research you did in preparation for facilitating class, with in-text citations and a detailed bibliography. The write-up can be completed as individuals or as a group. Most summary write-ups will be around two pages long, plus references.

click for Summary Write-Up Grading Rubric

Summary and Analysis (3 points)
- - your write-up should include an overview of (1) your historical case study and (2) musical theatre piece(s) that document related events
  - for historical case studies, your analysis should address dates, causal factors, key leaders/figures, and impacts
  - for musical theatre pieces, you should evaluate creators, production, target audience, historical accuracy, critical reception, musical styles, creative design, etc.
Blended Approach to American Studies and Musical Theatre History (4 points)
- - your research should place equal emphasis on the sociopolitical context of the event(s) and the musicology of the show/scene/song
  - the write-up should analyse how ideas and narratives about the United States are reproduced and/or challenged by the musical theatre piece(s)
External Research (3 points)
- - significant external research should be clearly evidenced in your write-up
  - the work must be your own: ChatGPT and other AI tools should not be used, except possibly for early brainstorming support – and if you use any of these tools, you must disclose which one(s) and how they were used
  - cite your source(s), with in-text citations to indicate where information came from, with full bibliographic details provided (in footnotes or a works cited list)

Homework Exercise [5% of Final Grade]

In advance of class, presenting groups have the opportunity to assign their classmates preparatory materials and reflective questions. Resources might include theoretical briefs, historical podcasts, show clips, and production reviews.

click for Homework Exercise Grading Rubric

Resource(s) (2 points)
- - you should identify at least one resource per case study that you want your classmates to review before class
  - chosen resources should be both reliable and interesting
Question(s) (2 points)
- - for each selected resource, you should draft an original question that will help your classmates prepare for class
Timeliness (1 point)
- - content for the Anthem Analysis needs to be submitted to the course instructors one week prior to the class session
  - late submissions will lose 0.5 points per day

Group Discussion [15% of Final Grade]

Student groups will be responsible for facilitating a significant portion of class time during their assigned week. Activities might include case study teaching, musical screenings, small group exercises, and class debate.

click for Group Discussion Grading Rubric

Preparation (3 points)
- - the group should coordinate carefully amongst themselves to decide how much time should be spent on which topic
  - visual aids should be appropriately detailed and proofread
  - prepare and share a presentation that your grandmother, your thirteen-year-old cousin, and your biology major roommate could all understand
Facilitation (3 points)
- - class should be designed so all students can participate, with a blend of small and large group activities
  - activities should feel original and unique, so that class is not the same style and set-up each week: keep it fresh!
  - by the end of your session, everyone should have spoken or engaged in some way
Blended Disciplinary Approach (3 points)
- - your teaching content should focus on integrating historical case studies with musical theatre analysis:
    put the two disciplines ‘in conversation’ with each other
Equitable Responsibility (3 points)
- - all group members must have equal responsibility for class (this is a double-edged sword!)
Timeliness (3 points)
- - final slides/teaching plan notes need to be shared with instructors no later than 3 days before your teaching day
  - late submissions will lose 1 point per day

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