MUS 4010 - From Blues to Hip Hop: African American Musical Heritage

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): ENG 1020

Description: This course traces the history of blues, both as a specific genre and as a range of techniques and approaches that have been at the center of American music and culture, from 19th century roots up to the present. It explores the commonly accepted blues mainstream exemplified by figures like Bessie Smith, Robert Johnson, and B.B. King, and also the central role blues has played in jazz, folk, country, gospel, rock, soul, and rap. While following the evolution of the music through the 20th century, we examine how blues has served as a metaphor for African American culture as it permeates the American tradition.

General Studies: Arts and Humanities

University Requirement(s): Ethnic Studies & Social Justice