Analyzing World Music

In this course students will develop critical skills for analyzing exemplary musical works from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Oceania. Specifically, students will explore how music conveys stories about its origins, creators, performance contexts, audiences, and cultural meanings. Through diverse pedagogical approaches—including readings, lectures, discussions, listening sessions, film screenings, workshops, concerts, and presentations—we will examine music's social, economic, and political significance across global societies. The course will emphasize an understanding of musical works as both a means of sonic and cultural expression. Although this course is a requirement for music majors, it is also open to non-majors (except first-year students) with a strong musical background.