Color of Mus:Race in Blues/Jazz (MUS 122 SC (UG17))
Term: Fall Term 2017 (UNDG)
Faculty
There is not currently a faculty member for this course
Description
Jazz and blues are often represented as American musical traditions which transcend social barriers. Yet political divisions of race, class and gender are manifest in disagreements as to whom the music belongs. This course focuses on how the concept of race has "colored" American popular music, and addresses the issue of expressive authenticity: are the kinds of understanding critical to authentic performance in a musical style accessible only to members of the community from which it originates? Relationships between race and gender in blues and jazz historical discourse will also be explored. Previous musical training is desirable but not required. This course satisfies the fine arts requirement.