Africa Is Perhaps The Most Mysterious Continent In The World. Its Eth

Africa is perhaps the most mysterious continent in the world. It's ethnic, social, and religious diversity is impressive. Attempting to discuss a cultural aspect, such as music, without limiting the scope, would be impossible. ?The area of coverage has been limited to Sub-Sahara, Black Africa?(Graham1). When an individual hears the term African music, he probably thinks of the African-American forms, such as Hip-Hop or Reggae. Not many people today know what African music is all about. They do not know anything about it because they probably find the music somewhat primitive. A close investigation, however, will reveal the opposite. African music has a lot of heart and soul in it and went from a form of entertainment to a way of life. African music was not only used as music, as it is used here in the United States. When one thinks of a way of life, he probably thinks of his job, but in Africa not too many people choose music as their occupation. African musicians are people who play while other people dance or are in a group such as Senufo, an orchestra consisting of farmers, blacksmiths, and other tribesmen. (Bebey 3) A lot of Westerners reject African music because it takes hours to understand. Westerners who want to understand it have to accept the idea that it is not as predictable as traditional Western music. Most Westerns like music that is pleasing to listen to but, The traditional African musician's aim is to simply express life in all of its aspects through the medium of sound (Van Rensburg). Music has been a part of Bash 2 most African people's lives since they were born. They start making instruments at the age of three or four, and musical games are also played. Some youngsters even try to imitate their elders in dancing and playing music. There are even increasing amounts of students for piano(University). African music is also used for cheering people up. ?In some African societies music is a dynamic and driving force that animates the life of the entire community? (Van Rensburg). It is sometimes used for sales; some Africans attract their clients by singing. African music is even used for medical purposes, such a practice is called witch doctoring. Griots are said to be witch doctors, but they are a lot more. Griots usually specialize in invoking supernatural beings. In addition many people in Africa use music to communicate to the spiritual world. Baule, harp players, are know to communicate with the spirit world. This characteristic is echoed throughout African tribes. Most harp-lute players are also soothsayers and/or healers? (Bebey 22). The instruments, including the human voice, are varied as the types of music themselves. African musicians usually make their own instruments so that they will suit their own particular tastes. (Bebey 40). The drum is the most important instrument to African music. If it is not present, then it will be substituted by hand clapping or stomping. ?Vocal music is truly the essence of African music. African Musicians use the voice more than anything else. The voice does not diminish the interest to musical instruments?(Bebey 115). Anthropologists were concerning?with the role of music in African society, producing invaluable data on instruments, dances, styles and the emotional and aesthetic content of music?(Graham 16). Bash 3 In numerous African societies, the right to play certain instruments or to participate in traditional ceremonies is not open to all, but is the privilege of the professional musician. In some societies music is not consider a profession at all, which is why there are only a few professional musicians in Africa. African music is nearly always linked with some other art such as poetry or dance (Van Rensburg). Many African societies make it a habit to play traditional African music at least once a day so that it will not vanish. This practice clearly indicates the cultural importance of music to the people. African music has come a long way. What must be remembered is that music involves personal tastes. Not all people enjoy the same music. One's taste in music may reflect his cultural heritage. Some Non-Africans like it, and some do not, but what is most important to Africa is that the tradition continues.

Social Studies Research Project Topics

Social Studies Research Project Topics Social Studies is the study of human beings as they relate to each other and their environments. If you enjoy exploring people, their cultures, and behavior, you should enjoy social studies. There are many disciplines that fit under the umbrella of the social sciences, so you can narrow the field to one that most interests you as you select a research topic. History Topics You might think of history as a branch of study that falls outside the realm of social studies. Not so. In every era of human existence, people had to relate to each other. For example, after World War II, there was great pressure for women to leave the workforce- they had been the backbone of the defense industry, filling vital jobs while men were overseas fighting the Japanese and the Nazis- yet they have shunted aside when the men returned. This created a great shift in the social dynamic in the U.S. Other historical themes offer rich areas for social studies research ranging from inventions that changed the nature of schoolwork to the impact U.S. presidents had when visiting a small town. Local architecture greatly influenced who people interacted with throughout history and even things as seemingly innocuous as the introduction of silverware impacted social norms and etiquette at the nightly dinner table. Diets of Civil War Soldiers and NutritionWWII Women Who Worked and Returned to HomemakingConfederate Symbols and Race in My TownInventions That Changed School WorkMidwives and Birth RatesLocal Architecture PatternsVanity in the Nineteenth CenturyVietnam War and GrandmaCountry Doctors RecordsThe Impact of a Presidents VisitWhen Silverware Came to TownCoal Camps in Local HistoryThe Household Impact of the Discovery of Germs Economics Topics Economics- a social science concerned chiefly with description and analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, as Merriam-Webster notes- is, by definition, a social science. Job growth and loss- both nationally and locally- affect not just how people vote but how they relate to each other. Globalization  is a hot topic that often brings people of opposing views into heated arguments and even physical confrontations. International treaties- particularly those focusing on trade- can inflame passions in the electorate overall, in small communities and even among individuals. Do Attractive People Make More Money?What Political Party Creates Job Growth?Is Globalization  Good or Bad?International Treaties - Good or BadHow Does the IMF Work? Political Science Topics Race and politics are obvious areas for sociological study, but so is the fairness of the Electoral College. Many groups nationwide are firm believers in conspiracy theories, which have spawned entire groups devoted to the study and discussion of these topics. Is the Media Really Biased?How Do Polls Work?How Does Fact Checking Work?Race and PoliticsIs the Electoral College Fair?Political Systems ComparedWhat Is the New World Order?Conspiracy Theories Sociology Topics The umbrella topic of sociology can cover everything from marriage customs- including same-sex marriage- to the ethics involved in adopting children from Third World countries. The debate over private-versus-public schools- and the funding that goes with it- is a topic that stirs strong passions and discussions among advocates on each side. And, the ever-present specter of racism is a vexing problem that continues to plague our society. Federal v. State PowerFood RegulationWhat Opportunities Are Available to Specific Minority Groups?Good and Bad Role ModelsReligion and PoliticsBuilding in Flood ZonesMarriage Customs ExaminedSame-Sex MarriageIs It Ethical to Adopt Children  from Third World Countries?Population Control Around the WorldEducation: Private or Government SystemsWill Racism Ever Die?The Roots of Regional Customs in AmericaHow the Internet Affects Our Perception of Truth Psychology Topics Psychology- the study of the mind and behavior- goes to the very heart of what makes human beings tick as well as how they relate to each other, a prime topic for sociological study and research. Everything from local traffic patterns, politics emanating from the pulpit and the impact of Walmart on local communities influences how people think, congregate and form friendships and groups- all issues that make the following list perfect for sociology research paper ideas. The Impact of River Traffic (on your hometown)Where Do Our Apples Come From?Could We Survive on Garden Foods Today?Using a Local CurrencyHow Clothing Prices Affect Teenager ImageDoes Walmart Help or Hurt Local Economy?Voting Habits: Grandmothers and MothersAre We Born Liberal or Conservative?Political Messages from My PreacherTelevision and Test ScoresTechnology and Fitness Among KidsTV Commercials and Self ImageWii Games and Family TimeSuperstitions and Family TraditionsBirth Order and Test ScoresA Secret Poll: Who Do You Hate?Do Unusual Names Affect Grades?Does Home Punishment Policy Affect School Performance?Local Vocabulary PatternsWhy Do We Make Friends?Are Girls Teams as Competitive as Boys Teams?Snow Days: Cold States, Warm States, and Family BondingAnatomy of a Small Town ParadePatterns of Lunchroom SeatingBullying Yesterday and TodayDoes Movie Violence Impact Behavior?Facebook and Family CommunicationWhat Would You Change About Your Body?Procrastination and TechnologyWhy Kid s Tell Lies Clothing and Attitudes: Do Shopkeepers Treat Me Differently If I Dress Differently?Does Citizen Status Affect Students Self-Esteem?Are You Vulnerable to a Cult?How Do Cults Work?