Apr 28, 2024  
2017-2018 University Bulletin 
    
2017-2018 University Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

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LAS 249 - Music and Diversity

3 hours
This seminar is writing intensive and focuses on the role that music has had in building up and breaking down the walls that divide us. For music that binds, we study religious music and nationalistic music. We will explore how African-American music was the foundation for rock ‘n roll and inspiration for the Beatles. In the second unit, we will also study the divisive nature of music: Rap is black; C&W white; and classical is WASP.  Music fosters division by playing off stereotypes. We will study the 1979 Disco Demolition and 70s white power rock. In the final unit we will seek answers to the paradox that we need groups to thrive and survive, but grouping of people causes distinction, stereotypes, prejudice and the rest. We will explore morality, super-ordinate identity, empathy, and cultural appropriation as possible answers. We will learn, through the music, ways in which cultures differ, how they are the same, and in the end apply this knowledge to better understand community, culture and diversity.



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