MUS102

This course explores how various ethnicities shaped the sounds and messages of American popular music. Students will examine popular music from various historical, sociological, and philosophical points of view. Beginning in the late 19th century, diverse elements unique to our country's population came together to take classical and folk music into new directions. Among the genres explored are jazz, folk, country, rock, and rap up to about 1990. Students are responsible for two short reaction/research projects designed for class discussion. A summary project involves a paper and accompanying presentation on an artist or musical group of your choice. Each project requires a discussion of how matters of race and difference are manifested in the music and lives of pop artists. In addition to reading assignments, there will be three quizzes assessing knowledge of the material presented in class. USIDG, Offered occasionally.

US Identities/Differences (USIDG)

All Years