An extensive examination of the composite of Africa's literary art from literature in the oral tradition and in the vernacular languages to modern literature written in vehicular languages, languages of the colonizers. Analysis of successive attitudes of the Western world toward the Black race as related by African writers from 1890 to 1960, the most important historical period in African literature south of the Sahara. Emphasis on hands-on skills. A study of basic jazz, rock, gospel, blues, and folk piano techniques. A survey of the function of traditional music in Africa and how it is organized as an integral part of everyday activity.
Emphasis is on practical application.
Lectures, discussions, assigned reading and listening designed to explore the musical heritage of the African American, including spirituals, work songs, blues, jazz, gospel, opera, and symphony. Interaction of these with traditional American and European music. An historical survey of vernacular and popular music in America, particularly those forms that are passed on by means of oral tradition, hearing, ritual, and more recently by the phonograph and radio. The cultural and musical traditions that have generated the popular and vernacular music that surrounds us today in San Francisco. 4 units The content of this course varies.