MUSIC 009
(GA;IL)
Introduction to World Musics (3) An overview of the music of India, China, Japan, Indonesia, Africa, and the Middle East.
MUSIC 009 Introduction to World Musics (3)
(GA;IL)
(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.
MUSIC 009 is a course that explores world cultures through their music. The course begins with an overview of ways to examine world music as a cultural phenomenon. The goal of this section is to help students move beyond their preconceived understanding of music in order to open their minds and ears to a wide variety of music through a selection of case studies, including, but not limited to, the music of the Celtic nations, the African continent, West Asia (the Middle East), India, Indonesia, Japan, and the Native American culture groups. The music of these cultures is explored both as a product and reflection of culture and as an aesthetic art form. Through this approach students not only develop a basic fluency in the characteristics of selected world musics, but also gain a broader understanding of the general classifications and geographical divisions of world music and the ways in which music relates to and is a part of all world cultures. Two primary methods of evaluation are used. Four examinations test the students' understanding of the material. Two assigned reaction/research papers provide students with the opportunity to explore particular types of music in greater depth, examining both the music itself and the social context in which it is found. These papers require students a) to think actively about contemporary musical developments around the world, including how they are affected by current socio-political events and cultural trends; and b) to utilize resources available in the university library as a way of exploring these developments. World musics are best understood when students engage in the music and in discussions of the music and culture; thus there is also a class participation/discussion component for the purposes of evaluation. The course requires a technology classroom equipped with a sound system, television/VCR, and piano.
Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.