Thinking About Genre Through Country Music

I wanted to post these videos to help you (re)consider the following questions which can, hopefully, help you to think about the relationship between genres and their conventions:

• what's the "glue" that binds these songs together? 
• what about them makes them fall into the “country music” category?
• at what points do they bend/blend into other genres (such as folk, blues, and bluegrass)?

"Your Cheating Heart"

Lyrics

"Coal Miner’s Daughter"

Lyrics

"Whiskey River"

Lyrics

"I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow"

Lyrics

Campus Map of Office Location: Gevirtz 2258

To eliminate any confusion: here's where my office is located.  I'm in Gevirtz 2258 (remember: that's not the same as Girvetz!).  I'll be here after our classes for an hour on both days, from 5 - 6 on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The name tag next to the door reads "Dr. Karen Lunsford" -- she's one of my advisors, so she's been kind enough to let me use her research office.  Also, sometimes the door doesn't stay open, so if it's closed, don't worry, I'll definitely be in there.  Give me a quick knock.

One last thing: please know that I'm more than happy to meet with you.  "Office hours" isn't my time; it's your time.  Swing by whenever you'd like for however long you'd like.