Dear Students,
Thanks for taking my online class this summer, SOC 199OL1, The Sociology of Music and Popular Culture. Bienvenidos! Wilcomen! Welcome!
Here are some instructions for our first class on Friday, May 27.
FIRST POST. To start our class, do TWO BLOGS by 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 27. First, tell us a little about your "taste preferences" in both music and popular culture. That will be your FIRST POST. Your first post should be at least two paragraphs, and 100 words in length.
SECOND POST. Then, read pages 1-59 in the Gans text (called Popular Culture and High Culture), and also chapter 1 from the Conley text (You May Ask Yourself). After reading, please blog about how you would explain your "taste preferences" in both music and popular culture, from a sociological point of view. That is, what social factors play into your likes and dislikes when it comes to music and popular culture? This second post should be at least two paragraphs, and 100 words in length.
HINT. All posts will be graded, so you may wish to type out (and the edit) your post in a Word document before posting. Then you can make changes, improve it, fix misspellings, etc., and then copy-and-paste it into the blog.
Thanks! I look forward to reading your thoughts!
BLOG POST 1:
ReplyDeleteI enjoy any kind of music, really, except for
country and most popular artists/groups (this includes most everything played on the radio). My favorite band of all time is Motion City Soundtrack. I like them because their music is catchy, and consistently unique to their own sound. Their lyrics contain witty pop culture references and they sing about what they want to sing about and not what other people want to hear.
I guess my other love, aside from music, would have to be film. I feel that the cinema is now the main platform for storytelling for the world, just as the bards and minstrels were in the past. I love comedies, specifically black comedies and satire. I love intelligent humor, especially when I don’t get it right away and have to think about it or research the joke a little. That’s the best.
Tyson, this is an excellent blog! Notice (everyone) how Tyson's blog, at 145 words and 2 paragraphs, nicely fulfills the assignment criteria. It is also well-written and free from grammatical errors. Thanks, Tyson, for setting the standard so well! I am anxiously awaiting reading the blogs from the rest of you.
ReplyDeleteI find it intriguing that few G.C. students really enjoy country music, and some (such as yourself) do not even enjoy other popular music that you hear on the radio in this area. Isn't that an interesting sociological question? Why, if it's so "popular," if it's all you can hear around these parts, do most G.C. students avoid it? What then makes it "popular," and what demographic factors set G.C. students apart from others in the area?
Blog Post #1:
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love music. The genre that I typically find myself listening to is Folk and Indie/Alternative Rock. One of my favorite bands, Arcade Fire, I believe falls under the category of Indie Rock. Arcade Fire, a rather large band, plays a variety of instruments and offers a funky vibe. They’ve created music that I just can’t get enough of. In contrast, Fleet Foxes (one of my favorite folk bands), carries a type of tune that isn’t funky like Arcade Fire, but rather soft. It’s the kind of music that I like to listen to when I’m driving in the summertime. Fleet Foxes uses a lot of the typical folk instruments like the banjo and harmonica. Yet they also do a lot of neat things with piano and harmonizing their voices. I don’t think I could ever get sick of either Arcade Fire or Fleet Foxes-- the number of plays on my iTunes can prove it!
Other than music, I really love movies, especially psychological ones. Movies such as Beautiful Mind, the Prestige, Memento, Shutter Island, etc., catch my attention. I’d rather sit down and have a movie make me think than one that does not-- like a chick flick (even though sometimes, they are alright). I also love when movies are made out of my favorite books. For instance, when Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter was made into a movie, I was super pumped. I know that most people get upset when books are made into movies, but I really appreciate it when that happens, even if a few things are left out.
Blog Post #1:
ReplyDeleteAs a music major, I feel as though I have been exposed to many different genres of music. At Greenville, I have learned many aspects of classical music, worship music, and contemporary music. I really enjoy many different genres and am not picky when it comes to listening to music leisurely. I love listening to the complexity of classical music, the truthful lyrics of folk/indie/worship music, feeling the swung rhythms of old jazz music, the adrenaline-pumping flow of rock music, and the catchy melody to a good musical theater tune. I will listen to rap and country; however, I do not prefer to listen to those different styles. Those two genres (along with top 40 radio) were what most of my classmates listened to in high school, so I guess I am just trying to venture out a little bit and listen to different styles of music. Right now I really enjoy the indie influence on Greenville’s campus. My favorite band right now would have to be Freelance Whales. Their witty, yet authentic lyrics and unique instrumentation keep grabbing my attention.
Outside of music, I really enjoy fashion. I like giving vintage styles a modern twist and am not afraid to step into an antique shop or thrift store. I am not one who wears bright colors, but more so neutral tones and solid, darker colors. I normally don’t stress over my outfit and the fact that it matches or not. I also enjoy reading novels and books of spiritual reflection. I love a good book that contains depth and wisdom. I also enjoy watching superhero movies (Captain America, 7/22/11!) and am just getting into comic books. I also prefer Macs to PCs.
- Trina
I love music in its entirety which some people find to be strange. I am not entirely drawn to any one genre. I am exposed to many types and styles of music everyday because of the people I surround myself with. In all the styles I listen to I am most drawn to metal especially gothic metal. One of my favorite bands is Within Temptation, which is a German symphonic metal band.
ReplyDeleteMany people don't understand the impact that music has on our lives, but it is always there. It influences our lives day to day whether we want it to or not. Culture today is filled with different musical and style influences that we all integrate into our lives in our own ways it's what makes us all unique to one another.
-Brittany
I have always felt music changes my mood. I like to connect with the music I listen to and think about why it was created. I enjoy dancing so music that can get me out of my chair is suitable for me. I like to listen to many types of music. I enjoy art music, hip hop, country, reggae, punk rock, and techno.
ReplyDeleteI love the images of tattoos. I can see the beauty in the pictures that some portray on their bodies. They interest me because many tattoos have deep meaning behind them. I believe it is strange for some to just pick out a picture and get it tattooed on oneself because I feel it is etched on your body can almost be like a scar that tells a story.
-Olivia Jones
My taste in music heavily depends on who I'm surrounded by, although I've never been too fond of country music or rap. I remember when I was younger listening to Caedmon's Call or Casting Crowns, and that eventually changed when I was introduced to the radio. If you'd asked me two years ago what my favorite music was, I'd have answered, "Anything on the radio!" But now, as radio has become more rap and R&B oriented and as I've grown as a person, I've settled into listening to more acoustic and alternative styles. For example, a band I've found myself listening to more and more (as a result of my brother's influence) is Emery. They combine power ballads and a touch of screaming.
ReplyDeleteAs per popular culture, while I enjoy movies (my family is obsessed!), I love body art. I fancy the idea of piercings and tattoos. I know in the previous era they were considered taboo, and if you had either you were thought to be a rebel, but nowadays (while that can still be true of some people), I think it is more of an art. I think it's beautiful.
--Annalyssa M. Vignassi
Music has always been one of my strong passions in life. Although I wasn’t born with a talent that allows me to play instruments or sing a tune, I take great pleasure in listening to those who can. I honestly can say that I appreciate all different types of music and I like to “change it up” once in awhile and listen to different artist or music stations. If one were to open my large CD case, they would think twenty different people dropped their music collections on the floor and threw them in one case. This is true because I have music in my collection from all different types of genres. The thing that I love most about music is how no matter what your mood is or what your going through in life there’s always a song out there to help relate to what you’re going through. I can’t imagine life without music in it!
ReplyDeleteBesides listening to music, I enjoy watching movies. Like music, I enjoy all different types of movies because I see movies as an art form and I’m always interested in “diving into a good movie” and getting lost in the screen. Sometimes it’s interesting to put yourself in the characters on the screen to understand them more. Other than movies, I love attending any type of festivals. Festivals remind me of being a child because my grandmother would always take me to different kinds while I was growing up. I love music, food, movie, and festivals because I love being around people and they are usually a fun atmosphere. I’m looking forward to taking this class because it sounds extremely interesting to me. I took three sociology classes while earning my associates degree and have been “hooked” every since then.
-Josh Bertrand
Kelly Baker, great blog! 266 words, 2 paragraphs. I'll have to try out the bands you mention, Arcade Fire and Fleet Foxes. They sound interesting!
ReplyDeleteTrina Thorell, great blog! 283 words, 1 paragraph. Will the program let you hit a couple returns to add space between paragraphs? That would be best, since I didn't see a paragraph break. Some great terms and adjectives - genres, complexity, adrenaline-pumping flow, etc. I liked the way you touched on some different categories of pop culture there at the end - fashion, books and novels, movies, and comic books.
Brittany Foy, good blog! 133 words, 2 paragraphs. Some grammatical errors. Everyday should be two words - every day - unless used as an adjective. Try to avoid ending a sentence with a preposition (such as "with"), or a phrase ("I am most drawn to"). That's OK in everyday speech (see, there's a one-word adjective version), but not in orthodox writing (as opposed to texting, e-mailing, etc.) Regarding content, I admire your eclectic tastes! I also agree with you about the potent but fairly invisible power of music.
Olivia Jones, good blog! 132 words, 2 paragraphs. Your last sentence is missing a word I think, probably an "and" before "can almost." A little more description regarding the types of music you like would be appropriate. You're the first to mention tatoos! Good! They certainly represent a fairly new fad out there which has deep roots in history.
Annalyssa Vignassi, great blog! 192 words, 1 paragraph. Again, see if you can organize your thoughts into two sections, and make paragraphs with a break. I really like your use of development, however, such as talking about your earlier and later tastes in music. You are also showing perception about the earlier and later connotations to tattoing - good!
Josh, great blog! 297, 2 paragraphs. Very complete description, and almost three times the required length. My only quibble is with a few grammatical errors, minor as they are. You say you like to "change it up" .. but should says artists (plural), you don't need to say "types of genres" because genres ARE types, after "what your mood is" you should use the contraction, you're, and then use a comma after "life" in the same sentence. "Movie" should be "movies" in the next paragraph. Again, these are minor errors, but fairly numerous. Work on more careful editing. I said "great blog" in spite of these errors because your CONTENT is very good! I love the image you present about different people throwing CD's into your case, and the memory of your grandmother taking you to festivals. You like sociology - cool! We should get along just fine. :)
Post 2:
ReplyDeleteMy likes and dislikes, when it comes to music and popular culture, are middle-brow because of the environment in which I was raised. My family lives comfortably in between high and low class, and I believe that influences who I've befriended and in turn been swayed towards the genres I listen to today.
However, I love high-class trends such as the Theater and Art museums. My appreciation for Art came about during the years I lived in Germany. My family would travel to well-known German towns and explore the churches and museums there. I can account for my respect for the theater as being something I wanted to be involved in as a younger teenager. I always dreamed of being an actress, and I admired the actors that put so much effort into giving a perfect performance in front of such a large audience. All in all, I believe that while my family's place in society had a large influence on my taste in popular culture, I can also attribute it to my God-given personality.
Post #1:
ReplyDeleteWhen I was younger, I actually really liked country music. As I grew older, though, I started to like country less and less until I arrived at the point where I am currently: almost complete abhorrence of country (with a few exceptions). Now I mostly listen to rock, classic in particular but also metal and hard rock. I have also recently started to listen to select pop, hip hop, and techno, but my true love is classic rock.
Aside music, which is a really big part of my life, I really enjoy television and movies. I tend to go for movies that I can immerse myself in, which usually means plot driven movies that make me think, but I can always go for a good action movie. Think-y, action-y, fantasy movies and tv shows are my absolute favorite, like the new Star Trek movie and the tv shows Supernatural and Lost. My love for fantasy movies stems from my love for fantasy books, especially the Harry Potter series. Basically I like anything that can transport me to another world and make me believe that I am actually there, at least for a short time.
Music is my number one outlet. Any mood I am feeling can be found on my iPod. Music can be my safe haven. I think I can literally enjoy any type of music. I tend to go through many phases where a particular type of music can take precedence over others at a certain time. When I feel rather down I turn on some country music. When I want to get pumped up for soccer games, I turn on the newest hits I just bought from ITunes. I went through one phase where all I would listen to were songs from the 80’s. It is one particular era in which satisfies my music hunger. I even enjoy classical and opera music on occasion. Any mood that I have, can be found in the music I listen to.
ReplyDeleteMy second favorite outlet is to watch movies. I have a wide variety of movies in my collection. There are some days when the mood hits to watch a scary movie, or even a drama. Mostly I enjoy sitting and watching comedies after long days of classes or work. Scary or horror movies can also do the trick. I really enjoy watching scary movies with my cousins, which has become a tradition over the years. Movies are a classical way to interact with people and relax, especially in college.
Blog Post #2:
ReplyDeleteThe Greenville College community has heavily influenced my preference in music. At Greenville, a thousand other students around the ages of 18-22, who also attend a Christian college, surround me. These factors have influenced my taste in acoustic-driven folk/indie/worship genres. While my classmates have influenced my taste in music, my music courses at Greenville have influenced my taste in music as well. In my private voice lessons I have studied classical, jazz, and musical theater styles and have studied more classical music in my music theory and music listening courses.
I would consider myself to be interested in more of popular culture than high culture, due to the fact that I am a young adult in college and live in a small town. However, my interest in fashion is admired by the high-class sense of style. By no means do I shop in the same stores, but I find inspiration from high-class fashion and shop for clothes that are affordable. As far as books, a majority of my friends are Christian females, so I tend to read a lot of fictional Christian women’s books. I am also drawn towards spiritual reflective books due to the fact that I am a Christian and believe in God. I enjoy superhero movies because of the moral values and the heroic influence the stories contain. I prefer Macs to PCs due to my past experiences with both brands of computers.
- Trina
Post #2
ReplyDeleteI would say that the thing that has the most impact on my musical taste has to be both my friends and the experiences I have had growing up. My friends have influenced my style of music because when I was younger I was very much into Christian based music, but as I got older the experiences I've had with some of my close friends have led me to my current taste in a more Rock/Metal themed genre. So I very much think that my musical taste leads me to be more popular culture than high culture, due to the fact that I am both a young woman and the fact that I rely heavily on my friends.
Although in musical taste I normally consider myself interested in popular culture I also have tendencies because of my musical training in bands to lean towards classical pieces and works. My fashion is very much of the popular cultural mindset because I do not care for labels or brands. I instead look for affordable in fashion clothing that fits into my musical tastes. As far as books, a majority of my friends are into Science fictions, so I tend to read a ton of either Science fiction or thriller type books. My favorite movies are Action movies or Horror movies because of the sense of excitement of the catching and the stereotypical bad guy that plagues the main characters throughout the film.
-Brittany F.
Post #2:
ReplyDeleteIt’s actually quite interesting that my favorite type of music is classic rock because I developed this love independently, not knowing that it was also my mom’s favorite genre. I’m sure that she somehow subconsciously influenced me to listen to music that was popular before I was born. As for the other, more current music that I like, my friends, especially my boyfriend, have greatly influenced my tastes.
I would probably say the same thing about my taste in movies, but my tv show preferences are influenced more by internet culture and the media. So it seems that my tastes are more centered in popular culture, but I honestly wouldn’t say no to some good high culture either.
I would have to say that my taste in music is mainly affected by my family. I am very close with not only my immediate family, but my extended family as well. I have some older cousins who were born in the 80’s, so I give credit to them for introducing me to that era of music. Since I have a wide variety of tastes in music, there are many people who have influenced me. I think I listen to country music because of my father and brother. I attribute my taste in classical music to my mother and sisters.
ReplyDeleteIt is a little different with my taste in television and movies. I would say that my preferences are more of the popular culture. With television shows I normally watch the new “craze”. The most popular TV show is what I will turn on. I think I do this because society influences me and I want to see what all of the buzz is about. After some time though, I get bored and switch to a new one. I think my dad has affected me a lot with what TV shows I watch and how I get easily side-tracked by other, more interesting TV show. With movies, my taste leans more towards the influence of society and my friends. The box office hits are what I usually go out and see. I mostly attribute my movie taste to my friends. They usually pick the comedies that most people enjoy to see.
I believe much of the music I listen to is Popular Culture. I tend to listen to what is on the radio and pick up songs to download in Itunes. I believe my music preference has came from my love of dance. I grew up where country music was the most popular and I tend to not listen to as much of it now unless it is classic like Johnny Cash. I do not believe anyone has influenced me to listen to what I do. I can feel things from many different types of music and when I do I care for the music. No one is influencing what they listen to so I follow. I like techno music and that is DJ's I usually go see in St. Louis and that is a popular culture tune right now. It seems to be a fad that ones follow.
ReplyDeleteAs for fashion I have been influenced from the people around me. My father does not like tattoos and piercings and I have both. He believes they are mutilation of the pure body. I believe they are expression and art and all art is valued to me. I have however been influenced by his conservative dress. I tend to dress conservatively but with vintage flare. I believe I have made my own path for my choices in popular culture, but I am who I am today because of the ones I have had around me.
Blog #2
ReplyDeleteWow! This one had me stumped at first. However, I have to say that television and radio are two large social factors that play into my likes and dislikes of music. I watch a lot of television and when I see a new music groups or artist that I have yet heard before, I instantly have my eyes glued on the television because I am always so interested in learning about their music and don’t want to be “left out.” I would say my friends also play a huge factor in what kind of music I listen to because when your with different people so often you sometimes start to like the same things they do. However, I must say I’m a huge fan of www.youtube.com and going on there to listen to new artist sing their songs that have yet to be produced. I can remember years ago becoming obsessed with the music group The Fray. I tried telling all my friends about the group and they thought I was crazy because none of them had heard their music and didn’t believe how talented they were. Then six or seven months later they were all over the radio.
When it comes to popular culture, I’m always anxious to learn what the “it thing” or “it person” because I feel as though if they are being talked about so much they must be somewhat interesting. I’m a huge fan of reality television! I guess I’m just fascinated that everyday people like myself are on television and becoming somewhat famous. It’s weird though because by watching shows like that you realize how much the fame sometimes tears the people apart. Take John and Kate plus either for example. They got so obsessed with the fame that it tore their family apart. Then part of me wonders why in our culture do people become so famous for just being “everyday people.” The media gets just as trapped into the lives of these reality starts as the rest of the world.
Carla, very good first blog! I like your awareness of self in the first paragraph, and your evolving tastes. You are also very detailed in the second paragraph, and that's good. However, you have some careless mistakes in the second paragraph, and should edit more carefully. The first paragraph is grammatically flawless (as far as I can tell), but to start the second paragraph you say, "Aside music." I think you mean, "Aside from music .." For the second sentence, don't end the first phrase with a preposition, so say "in which I can immerse myself." Then you need a hyphen for "plot-driven." Two-word adjectives normally need that. Then you mention three genres of movies and shows but say "absolute favorite," when it should be plural. These are small mistakes, granted, but my job as a "language coach" is to help you take a little more time and sharpen up your expression! Again, very good blog, but proof-read more carefully before you post. I look forward to future posts, and reading your ideas. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMaureen, great blog! I agree with you about music's versatility in affecting our moods - well-spoken. Your grammar is basically very good, but you do end the first paragraph with a preposition (to). Finally, in your last sentence, you say "Movies are a classical way" when I think you wish to say, "classic way." It sounds like you know what you like!
ReplyDeleteAnnalyssa, very good post! I like your reference to your family's social class, and to your travels. They are common factors which influence pop cultural taste. Your grammar is very good. My only quibble is with the awkwardness of the last sentence in the first paragraph. Something is unbalanced in the "been swayed towards" part. I love your reference to Germany; what a beautiful country, and a great place to develop art appreciation.
ReplyDeleteTrina, great blog! Your insights about your college peer group are well-placed, and I agree with you about Macs versus PCs!
ReplyDeleteBrittany,
ReplyDeleteBrittany, great blog! You also have well-placed insights about the influence of your friends on your preferences. Much better grammatical cleanness in this post than your first - good work! You probably mean "affordability" in your second paragraph.
Carla, good blog! Your insight about your mother is intriguing to me, especially since it appears that she did not deliberately try to influence you.
ReplyDeleteMaureen, great blog! A good emphasis on your family's influence. In the second paragraph, you mean to end one sentence, I think, with TV shows (plural), not the singular form. Also, since you like more than one genre of TV program and movies, I would say "movie tastes" (plural). Good work, though!
ReplyDeleteOlivia, good blog. Interesting ideas. I believe that iTunes is spelled that way, with a capital T, not Itunes. I'm not sure that you can claim that no one has influenced you. If anything, you experience the general influence of your culture, but I would unpack that a little more. Do you mean "some follow" at the end of the first paragraph? When you start your second paragraph, you should always place a comma after an opening phrase (like "As for fashion"). Your mentioning your father in the second paragraph, but your non-acceptance of his views for tattooing, leads me to conjecture that some of your musical tastes are influenced by your desire for separation and independence (a common characteristic of almost every young person) from your parents, which may account for your eclectisism.
ReplyDeleteJosh, very complete blog! 338 words, 2 paragraphs, way over the minimum. Nicely developed. You do have some problems with grammar, however, not overall, but just here and there. In the first paragraph, for instance, you say "when I see a new music groups or artist," and you should say "group" to match the singular. I'm sure that's accidental. Later you talk about youtube and say "new artist sing their songs" when you mean "new artists" (plural). For the second paragraph, you also have a few incorrect or awkward idioms. I would just encourage you to take a little more time, or to review more carefully. However, you have some great insights, like your precocity in picking a rising youtube star group! That's pretty neat. I really enjoyed your insight about how our culture tries to take "everyday people" and make them stars, destroying them in the process. You are right; that is definitely food for thought!
ReplyDeleteBlog Post #2:
ReplyDeleteMy music preference has been highly influenced by each and every situation I have found myself in. I can see how it has evolved as well. At first, worship music was all I knew, so bands like Jars of Clay, DC Talk, Supertones, were my favorite. Then, towards middle school, when everyone was listening to the radio, I gravitated towards popular music. So for awhile I liked Relient K, Hawk Nelson, and a few secular bands. Later in high school, my music taste was put on a roller coaster and I had a foot in practically every genre of music-- probably because I was surrounded by a student body that was very diverse. Yet, that is when I think I developed a love for the music I appreciate now. Eventually, at Greenville, I found friends that liked the same music as me, and over time we adjusted completely to one another’s music taste.
I think growing up in Chicago has definitely influenced my pop culture preferences. Even though my friends have influenced my tastes as well, I should mostly attribute them to my upbringing. In Chicago there is plenty of high culture and popular culture, and there is a lot of popular culture trying to look like high culture. There is something that I love about the city, and whenever I return, I feel a drive to be a part of that high culture life-- the fashion, the media, etc. However, I never pursue that drive, mostly because I am a poor college student, and also because I think it is unnecessary. I think the students at Greenville College are immersed in popular culture, including myself. Even this can be a little too much (especially for the Christian), but I’m not too sure how well that can be prevented.
-Kelly
Kelly, very good blog! At 299 words and 2 paragraphs, it meets the criteria nicely. It sounds like "exposure" is one of the determining factors for why you like certain types of music. You only "knew" worship music like Jars of Clay, so that is what you liked at first. When you were surrounded by others listening to secular radio, you gravitated to that style, and so forth. Chicago, as a large city, obviously gives you many opportunities for more musical exposure, but income, as you mention, can be a limiting factor. Regarding your grammar, you can sharpen up on a few points. The first sentence ends with a preposition ("I have found myself in.") For academic writing, please avoid this type of construction. I know that "in which" sounds a little ponderous, but it is grammatically correct, and I want you to have the ability to write that way when you need it. (P.S. I almost said, "when you need to," which is, of course, ending with a preposition! So even I must watch myself.) You mention several bands (Jars, etc.) and then say they were your "favorite." That should be plural. There are a few other small errors of this nature in your blog, so just edit more carefully. However, I loved your ideas! They will give us something to talk about when we meet again online. Thanks.
ReplyDeletePost #1:
ReplyDeleteI have to come to accept the fact that I do not like all types of music, as I used to say, and have come to narrow down what I really enjoy. I mostly enjoy rock and pop music that features piano. Some of my favorite artists include Relient K, Jack’s Mannequin, and Billy Joel.
In the realm of pop culture at large, I enjoy watching movies, at home or in the theater, depending on whether or not I have an arm and a leg to spare upon entry to the theater. I enjoy comedies and action, with an occasional drama. I also like movies that give me a perspective on life that I would not normally have.