Life Of Charlie Parker: Music And Influence

Choose from the topics below and write a two-three page paper on your chosen topic. You must include in-text citations and a Works Cited page formatted according to MLA or APA guidelines. You must include in-text citations and works cited page. Work copied and pasted from an outside source will receive an F.

Stay objective. I will deduct 5 points from the final grade for every I think, I feel, I believe, in my opinion, the statement in the paper. State your position clearly and support it with evidence from the readings, the film the music or the book you choose.

Answer two or more of the questions about the film; Rebel without a Cause.

Observe James Dean's performance carefully and formulate an opinion about why he is so acclaimed and is so important, especially to teens.

What is the main theme of Rebel without a Cause?

Why do you think the film takes place in 24 hours?

What does the film tell you about the value system of the adults portrayed? The youth? What is of prime importance to each group?

What is the picture of youth/high school culture it describes? Did you find similarities in your high school experience? Explain.

Observe the way the various households operate for the three main characters. What are the women/mothers like? The fathers?

Why is Jim blamed for what happens to Buzz?

Put the film into the context of the 50s. How can you relate some of the things you have already learned to what is being shown? For example, the rise of gangs and juvenile delinquency or the embarrassment about mental illness ( Plato). The role of minorities in film, etc.

What causes Jim's father to change at the end?

What do you Jim's life will be like from that point on?

2. Choose a popular figure from the world of music in the 1950s and write a profile about them; their music, life, influence on the decade etc. Examples; John Coltrane, Etta James,. Charlie Parker, the roots of Rock and roll in gospel, rhythm and blues, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, or one of the rock and roll groups mentioned on the Rock and Roll Power Point. Why did you choose this artist? What songs appeal to you? How did the genre contribute to the American music scene?

3. Read the information posted about Disneyland on Canvas and watch the video: The Disneyland Dream which can be accessed via a link in the New York Times article posted on moodle. , then write a paper about the impact of the park on the youth of the decade.

4. Choose one of the books from the list posted on Canvas and write an analysis of the book. This should go deeper than a book summary, I want to know the impact of the book, its significance to the times and what the book says about the culture of the 1950s. Some good choices would include The Catcher in the Rye, by J. D. Salinger Peyton Place, by Grace Metalious, or On the Road by Jack Kerouac.