MUS 172 Music Borders and Identities
This course explores how music intersects with collective and personal identities and how borderlands – between nations, districts, genres, and styles – are areas of particular interest in terms of human agency, biculturalism, and hybridity. Music is a major aspect of human cultures. Fundamental to this course is to explore music as a “sonic canvas” - through a variety of styles (jazz, blues, conjunto, hip-hop, reggae, mariachi, Bollywood, and so forth) and experiences- through which we examine identity formation, cultural dynamics expressions, historical legacies, and political and economic conditions. We will also look at the force of globalization, politics and religion upon music and its structural elements. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions and to complete a substantial and original field research project. In addition to readings, videos, and guided listening, contact with live music and musicians will be encouraged.
Distribution
MUS