In discussing the historical and creative aspects of black music, it is often difficult to divorce the musicological from the sociological. This course is designed for anyone interested in the African-American experience, thus, no formal knowledge of music theory and history or previous background in music is necessary. However, music majors and any others are encouraged to take the course. This course will provide a general survey of traditional West African music and African-American music from slavery to the present, with major emphasis placed on significant forms, styles, and contributors and the sociological settings for such. A combination of points and letter grades and averaging will be employed, but instructor has the discretion to favor a particular system.
Attendance is mandatory, and participation in class discussions is highly encouraged.
Reading assignments must be completed before each class. Make-up exams will be allowed only under special circumstances. An unexcused absence from an exam or quiz will result in failure of it. A research paper or assignment that is composed mostly of unacknowledged sources will be treated as a case of plagiarism, and after a consultation with the student concerned. Identifiable cases will be processed according to university regulations.