Work song and protest song express the shared dangers and problems of work through the medium of communal song. We will examine the important role that music played in the socio-economic development of Appalachia. A major focus will be the use of song in the coal industry unionization efforts, and subsequent problems associated with strip mining and resource management. One film will be viewed. Read Singing Family of the Cumberlands pages 128-178.
Music is an important repository of traditional culture and aesthetic values.
Students will be expected to attend a local shape note singing experience at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church. Two films will be shown. Reading from Singing Family of the Cumberlands pages 179-223. Old Time, Hillbilly, Bluegrass, and Country We will trace the development of instrumental and dance music from Anglo-Celtic roots through contemporary Appalachian styles, examining the way in which folk culture can become comodified as popular culture. An emphasis will be placed on the development of Kentucky's role in the development of bluegrass and country style in order to examine the way in which contemporary styles draw upon the heritage of string band dance tunes, narrative ballads, and gospel styles.