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To receive full credit, you must demonstrate an informed knowledge of the topics. You will be graded on depth of analysis, use of specific examples, and correct grammar/spelling. Exemplary work may receive extra credit points.

Topics for Writing Assignment 1:

1. Identify at least three musical characteristics that were essential to early African American music. For each of those characteristics, explain how they functioned in slave songs or ring shouts, and how they functioned in early blues styles or spirituals.
2. Compare/contrast country blues and classic blues: discuss the musical and/or cultural origins of each style, explain three musical characteristics of each style, and identify the relative commercial success of each style. Name two country blues performers and two classic blues performers.