Global Afrodiasporic Musics
This course is an in-depth examination of the history and influence of music of the African diaspora—and African cultural heritage generally—upon the music of cultures worldwide. Music and traditions from pre-15th century Africa, across the Black Atlantic, and through 21st-century global music genres, will be explored, with special attention paid to their cultural significance. Major topics covered will include: African aesthetics and values as they have permeated new and evolving styles; the sociocultural and historical development of African influenced music genres in the Caribbean, Latin America, North America, Europe, and Asia; the impact of race, gender, sexuality, and class politics on African diasporic music; and the inclusion of Black music and cultural identity in popular cultures.