MUSC 350 - North American Roots Musics and North Carolina

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Explores the many so-called “roots musics” of North America. It also serves as an introduction to basic concepts of ethnomusicology—the study of the interactive relationship between musical and cultural practices. Case studies in Native American vocal and instrumental, in Mexican border balladry, in Appalachian country music traditions, the dynamic genre called “the Blues” will explore the concept of the “invention of tradition” in all its cultural, historical and political complexity. A final paper will be based on research and original fieldwork in the local Western North Carolina region. Odd years Spring.