Williams Music College

African-American Music (Same as Africana Studies 122)

Course ID:
MUS 122
Major Status:
General Elective
Yearly Schedule:
Offered Occasionally
Semester Offered:
Spring or Fall
Prerequisite:
No prerequisites, but students without musical backgrounds must learn a vocabulary of terms for describing musical sound.

This course will survey the history of African-American music in the United States from its beginnings through the mid-twentieth century. Focus on the following themes: the survival of Africanisms in African-American music, the relationship of African-American music in the U.S. to the music of Africa and the African diaspora, the process of acculturation, and the sociological study of African-American music in the U.S. There will be an emphasis on discussing music, listening to it, watching videotaped performances, and attending concerts of live music for which there will be additional costs.

Evaluation: 2 hour exams, final exam, and 3 concert reviews.

Enrollment limit: 20. If more than 20 students enroll, priority will be given to Africana Studies majors, music majors, and seniors.

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