MUS-206 American Roots Music
American roots music includes a variety of
traditional genres, some of which overlap:
old-time Appalachian, bluegrass, early blues and
jazz, traditional country, Cajun/zydeco, gospel,
and others. While these forms of music are still
alive today, they also sprouted other genres such
as rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and modern
jazz. This course will examine the history of
American roots music and how it influenced (and
was influenced by) American culture and history
at large, including the labor rights and civil
rights movements. Music is a complex art in and
of itself but also a fascinating-and
entertaining-lens through which to examine U.S.
society in all of its harmony and dissonance.
Students will read and write about music but
also, of course, listen to many samples of music,
both recordings and live in-class performances.
This course also counts as a 200-level
Introduction to Literary Studies course within
the English Department.
Prerequiste: FYS-101 or FYS-110