Course overview
An introduction to the music and performance of selected world cultures. Music is presented as a form of cultural expression which can be understood in both social and music-stylistic contexts. Students will gain an appreciation of culturally distinct elements of music as well as its more universal qualities. The music and cultural examples we explore draw from select regions of the world (including Australia, Africa, East Asia, Southwest Asia, North America and the Caribbean) and range from ancient ceremonial practices, to traditional court- and folk traditions, to contemporary forms of 'world music' and pop.
Course learning outcomes
- Understand and appreciate a wide range of cultural and stylistic diversity as evidenced in different traditional and contemporary music-cultural settings
- Demonstrate aural familiarity with music of a select number of music cultures
- Develop aural awareness and critical listening skills through assigned- and in-class listening
- Demonstrate music research skills and confidence in written communication