MUSC 343 - African American Music: Slavery to Swing (4)

Surveys the unique musical languages created by African Americans during the period from the arrival of the first African slaves in colonial America (1619) to the flowering of swing in the 1930s. The listening examples, readings, discussions and assignments are designed to illuminate historical African American musical practices while highlighting the relevance of African American musical history to today’s musical cultures. Each week, students will be expected to participate in challenging discussions, and to engage in group music making. Odd years Fall.