Global Pop

Catalog description

In the age of globalization and the Internet, popular music (music produced for commercial purposes and transmitted through mass media to a large audience) is an increasingly global phenomenon and can provide a unique perspective into the social, political, and economic conditions of various cultures around the world. This course introduces students to some of the popular musics from around the world through the perspective of ethnomusicology, the study of music and culture and the ways that they intersect and influence one another. Emphasis is placed on analyzing musical innovations, trends, and movements in relation to location, culture, counter-culture, and the social/geo-political climate. In doing so, this course draws upon geographical case studies of popular music (for example, Algerian Rai, K-Pop, Bollywood, Indonesian dangdut, or the Afrobeat of Fela Kuti) to view how historical, social, and political factors have influenced their development. These issues will be explored through directed reading and listening assignments, response papers, a mix tape project, and focused class presentations and discussions. This course can be taken to fulfill either the Global Diversity or Creative Arts requirement in Duquesne University?s CORE Curriculum.