Music 205 - COLQ: TOPICS IN POPULAR MUSIC

Topics course. From the early 19th century Irish Melodies of Thomas Moore to contemporary hip-hop, popular vocal music in the United States has been tied to processes of ethnic and racial formation. This course examines how some ethnic and racial minorities in America (African, Jewish, Chinese, Latino) were portrayed through the medium of commercially published popular song in the period c. 1850-1950. Questions of historical and cultural context are considered but the emphasis is on the relationship (or nonrelationship) between music and text. Readings in history, sociology and cultural studies as well as music history. Listening, viewing videos and consultation of on-line resources. A reading knowledge of music is not required.

Topic: Ethnicity, Race, and Popular Song in the United States from Stephen Foster to Elvis Presley.