History and Aesthetics of African-American MusicLaajuus (3 ECTS)

Objective

After completing the course, the student will be able to identify origins, historical development, aesthetics, and forms of performance of the African-American musical culture. The student will understand the common characteristics of post-African music styles, the arrival of African culture in the Americas and its influence on Western popular culture. The student will be familiar the formation of local African-American musical cultures.

Content

The aesthetic characteristics and forms of performance of African (music) culture. The spreading of African culture in the Americas. Trajectories of African-American music styles from the 16th century until the beginning of the 20th century (North and South America, the Caribbean Islands). The influence of European musical cultures on the development of African-American music styles.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The assessment is based on the student’s work during the course, his/her skills and knowledge at the completion of the course, and his/her ability to reach the set objectives.