MUS 3890 - Pop Music and Politics

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): ENG 1020; MUS 1000; CAS 1010

Description: Taking an interdisciplinary approach, this course examines how popular music has voiced the concerns of the masses and the marginalized to bring about social awareness and change. This seminar-style course challenges students to critically think about, and listen to, a variety of politically driven music from the U.S. and abroad. Discussions of theoretical frameworks for analyzing politics and popular music, exploring definitions and basic concepts are deployed throughout the semester. Students explore music’s role in the major socio-political movements in American history as well as several cases outside of the US context. Students gain a greater appreciation for the ability of popular music to shape the social and political world.