GRI 622 - Music of the African Diaspora

(3 units)

Music of the African diaspora in the Americas. Explore how: African-inspired modalities influenced music-making by tracing specific rhythms and musical forms as they traveled between Africa, the Caribbean, South America, North America, and back again; how the music has enacted “freedom dreams” in the face of colonial and post-colonial systems of oppression; how African-inspired musics continue to inspire joy, creativity, and Pan-African ties. (GRI 622 and MUS 622 are cross-listed; credit may be earned in one of the two.)

Maximum units a student may earn: 3

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Spring

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. demonstrate and apply empathy and cultural sensitivity to the study of diverse musical cultures globally.
2. analyze the historical and cultural conditions under which a diverse range of music is made.
3. apply the study of diversity in historical contexts to the understanding of diversity in contemporary contexts.
4. develop an independent research project in which they synthesize their knowledge of Africana studies, Caribbean studies, and music studies into an analysis of a specific case study.
5. assess and evaluate key concepts in Africana studies, Caribbean studies, and music studies.
6. apply their knowledge of Africana studies, gender studies, and music studies to the analysis of specific pieces of music, both historical and contemporary.
7. discuss the cultural contexts of specific musical pieces and cultures in and outside of the United States.

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