This is an orientation essay. Everyone taking MUSI 323 comes to the course with

This is an orientation essay. Everyone taking MUSI 323 comes to the course with his or her own ideas about American music. The author of our textbook has a particular view of America’s musical history, described in Part Summaries 1 – 6.
First, read these summaries and describe the author’s mental picture of America’s music history.
Next, read “The Charge” describing the goal of studying America’s music (and taking this course) according to the author. Do you agree with her or not?
Finally, after exploring Part Summaries 1 through 6, how has your understanding of American music been altered and expanded? Is this what you expected?
Essays should each be about 750 – 1500 words. Document your essay with MLA references to the textbook, including a reference list with the following:
At least one reference to the textbook.
At least two references to outside sources.
The essay will be checked for plagiarism. Keep directly quoted and paraphrased material to an absolute minimum. Quotations may take up no more than 20% of the essay. I want to read about your understanding and reaction to the music.