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Academic Year 2004/2005


African Presences I: Music in Africa
MUSC 265 FA

This course will explore the diversity and full range of musical expression throughout the African continent by immersing ourselves in a combination of extensive reading, listening to recordings, viewing videos, discussion, and in-class performances. The continent as a whole will be briefly surveyed, regional traits will be explored, and specific pieces, genres, and countries will be discussed in depth. Students are encouraged to work on preparing pieces in traditional and more innovative formats for a performance workshop at the end of the semester. This course will explore the diversity and full range of musical expression throughout the African continent by immersing ourselves in a combination of extensive reading, listening to recordings, viewing videos, discussion, and in-class performances. The continent as a whole will be briefly surveyed, regional traits will be explored, and specific pieces, genres, and countries will be discussed in depth. Students are encouraged to work on preparing pieces in traditional and more innovative formats for a performance workshop at the end of the semester.

MAJOR READINGS

Paul Berliner, THE SOUL OF MBIRA
Eric Charry, MANDE MUSIC
John Chernoff, AFRICAN RHYTHM AND AFRICAN SENSIBILITY
Virginia Danielson, THE VOICE OF EGYPT
Veit Erlmann, NIGHTSONG
Michelle Kisliuk, SEIZE THE DANCE
various other articles

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Final term paper. Several quizzes, a midterm and final exam. Occasional weekly writing assignments.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA MUSC    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-21-2005


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