This course examines the role of music in modern societies, with a particular focus on how music can be a force for promoting consciousness-raising and social justice in the United States and globally. We study ways in which inequalities based on race and gender are manifested in various musical genres, and we also examine how musical forms such as rock and roll, reggae, punk rock, and hip hop have fostered social resistance in numerous countries. During the semester, each student will write a research paper and give a class presentation on a case study of how music is fostering social change. Key learning outcomes include: strengthening the understanding of relevant social science theories; developing skills in writing research proposals; and strengthening public presentation skills.
- Teacher: Bruce Podobnik