Music 202 - THINKING ABOUT MUSIC

This course explores different approaches to the study of music as a cultural phenomenon. We will consider two basic questions: How does music become meaningful to people in various social settings and locations? What functions does music fulfill in different societies? We will seek answers to these questions using a series of case studies that focus upon classical, popular, and traditional forms of music in the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world. These case studies will serve as our guides as we observe and analyze the experience of musical participation and mediation.