MUSI 181 - Music and Protest

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

Childish Gambino in “This is America,” Woody Guthrie in “Union Burying Ground,” and Pussy Riot in “Police State” each express their indignation about profound social, economic, and political injustices. Around the world and throughout history, music has been a key vehicle for expressing discontent, forming communities around shared issues, and—as in Mahalia Jackson’s rendition of “We Shall Overcome”—for putting forward a vision of a more just future. In this course we explore a diverse range of protest music, from labor songs to contemporary global pop musics, with a focus on how music creates meaning, its power to bring people together, and the role of the internet and other media forms. No prior musical experience is required.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS