Music and Identity in the Contemporary Arab World

In this course we will approach traditional and contemporary musical cultures from the Middle East and North Africa as cultural expressions that are invested with social, artistic, economic, and political meanings. Music is a powerful agent of social change that shapes politics, race, religion, and identity in the Arabic-speaking world. Through an examination of a range of artistic genres, including literature, poetry, dance, film, video, and audio recordings, students will strengthen and maintain advanced proficiency in Arabic. As part of this course, students will also have the opportunity to produce and host a live radio show on WRMC 91.1 FM. (ARBC 0302 or equivalent) 3 hrs. sem.