230257 Sonic Americas (S) (SoSe 2019)

This course looks at the central aesthetic, cultural and political role of music in American cultures. From Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself” to Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” musical expression occupies a key role for identity politics as well as resistance. We will study music in the context of political movements, music in literature and painting, and music in the context of cultural heritage. The objective of the course is to introduce students to major cultural manifestations and institutions such as literature, museums, tourism and how they are entwined with and shaped by music. We will look at literary texts from the Harlem Renaissance, dub poetry from Canada, lyrics by Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, museums of popular music in the U.S. and Jamaica, music tours in the context of tourism etc. to explore the cultural significance of music for American cultures. In June we will be joined by members of the Latin Grammy award winning group Quetzal from Los Angeles who will conduct a workshop in the context of the seminar (June 11 and 13). The course will use a diverse teaching methodology including in-class readings, presentations, in-class writing, discussion, and group work.