Course Description:

What is music for? Is it primarily entertainment? Can it change society or promote social justice? How does popular music shape identity and contest gender roles and racial hierarchies? Considering genres such as reggaeton, salsa, cumbia, narcocorridos, and samba, this course traces the ways music has shaped ideas about nations and regions in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

We will explore how popular music disrupts distinctions between "high" and "low" culture and forge new communities. Through local and hemispheric perspectives, we will analyze rhythms and lyrics on their own as well as representations of popular music in other media (novels, short stories, poetry, and cinema). 

Receive Music or Spanish credit. Taught in English or Spanish, depending on students' preference. No pre-requisites and no previous musical experience necessary!

Course Registration Information:

1. CRN: 37842
   • Lecture: TR 1:40 - 3:00 PM
   • Discussion: R 5:10 - 6:00 PM
2. CRN: 40750 Lecture:
   • TR 1:40 - 3:00 PM
   • Discussion R 6:10 - 7:00 PM

_{Note: The "end date" for this "event page," January 16th, refers to the last day to add courses (view Academic Calendar).}