Music and Culture of Western Africa and the African Diaspora: Research for a Nonfiction Book

Project: 40
Name: Rachel Wenrick (rw346@drexel.edu; 215-895-1638)
Department: English and Philosophy
Academic Area: Anthropology/English/History & Political Science/International Area Studies/Sociology/Writing

Title: Music and Culture of Western Africa and the African Diaspora: Research for a Nonfiction Book

Description:
I'm co-writing a book with an artist and humanitarian about her childhood in Western Africa and her international career. The book explores her early and enduring influences.

Associated Independent Study:
You will have the option of building a portfolio of work written in response to the research you're conducting. This project will be tailored to reflect your own interests, background, and educational and career goals.

Gained Experience:
You will gain experience in the research and drafting process of a nonfiction book. This is a uniquely collaborative process involving the artist, the writer, the editor, and you.

Outcome:
A book for a major New York publishing house.

Tasks:
You'll assist with researching background material on topics such as music, food, and religions of Western Africa and the African diaspora. Organizing of existing source material. Some transcription of interviews.

Location:
You'll need access to Drexel's Hagerty Library to conduct research, but you'll also be able to do some of this work remotely. We'll also meet in my office, MacAlister 5059.

Meetings:
Weekly meetings. Flexible hours. Much of the work can be done remotely by you.

Interview Availability:
April 17, April 18