HIS3015 ST:History of African American Music

“The History of African American Music: From George Johnson to Cardi B” is an upper division elective designed for students who seek an appreciation, understanding and introduction to the history of African American music after the Civil War. This course focuses on two central questions: 1) how do we historically define “African American music” and 2) what does African American music tell us about Black experience(s)? To explore these questions, we will historicize key concepts, such as, authenticity, representation, recognition, cultural ownership, appropriation, and origin as they pertain to African American music. By taking a narrative approach that continually highlights key themes, we will see how African American music has both shaped and been shaped by the historical, political, and aesthetic contexts in which it is created and performed. Readings and discussions will encompass African American music from spirituals and work songs to hip hop; from Duke Ellington to N.W.A., from Bessie Smith to Stevie Wonder, from George Johnson to Cardi B. Credits: 3.000

WRT1012 Lecture Min Credits: 3.00