This course focuses on the interdisciplinary,study of aspects of American culture through its,music. We will explore the cultural,interrelationship of the social, political,,economic, historical and aesthetic influences,that have formed the context and development of,American music genres. Throughout we emphasize,popular, innovative and sometimes experimental,musical forms and their basis in individual,communities. In that process we explore what,seems to have made musical forms “speak” to our,ancestors and to us. We also explore how the,rise of mass-market music and the music industry,has affected this history. Classes combine,discussion of reading materials, discussion of,films, presentations from guest musicians and,music historians, and, above all, listening to,music.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Take one 3.0 credit, 200 level course from one of the,following subjects: DAH (Art History), DEN (English), DAS,(Academic Studies), DVC (Visual Culture).