History of African American Music

In this course we will explore the evolution of American music from the perspective of its African roots to various styles of black music in the United States. In considering African American music as an artform, cultural expression, and political force, important issues and ideas will be examined, including the intersection of race, politics, gender, and emerging technologies to the production and consumption of American music. We will turn a musical ear to the sounds and significance of American musical genres such as sacred and secular folk styles, the Harlem Renaissance, blues, jazz, soul, funk, and hip hop.