American Music as an Agent of Change

Catalog description

This course will explore American music as an agent and reflection of social change in American society. The study, which begins with the occurrence of hybridization between colonial British and West African cultural musical elements in the United States, will reveal the continual cultural impact that is brought to the United States by new immigrants, new ideas, and social movements. The course will follow the ongoing cultural evolution of American music, which creates an entry toward greater diversity and inclusivity within American society. Included among the topical studies in the course are European and West African folk music traditions, Latino musical traditions, Blues, Jazz, Rock, Broadway, and the artistic contributions of diverse American musical artists.