Grades will be assigned on the basis of a midterm and final exam. Euro-American Folk and Popular Music. The course surveys traditional folk musics in Europe and the U.S., concluding with a historical survey of American popular music. Both musical and cultural issues are dealt with. The student who takes the course should end up with a basic listening experience of several repertories and some knowledge of how music reflects the culture that produces it.
Some musical background is desirable, though there are no official prerequisites.
Assignments include selected readings, listening to weekly tapes, and writing at least one paper. Evaluation is based on two hour-exams and a final. The Music of Asia. Selected music traditions of the Near East, India, Southeast Asia, China, Korea and Japan will be studied. The sounds of the music, the instruments, the forms of the music and how all are integrated into the surrounding society are considered.