Course Information
Description
Examine the centrality of black popular music in American cultural history from 1945 to the present. Consider the central themes of black music and how they reflect the black experience in postwar America, as well as the ways that the music, and those themes, evolve over time.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
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Analyze the elements of music as they pertain to Black American musicAssessment StrategiesListening Journal, Written Product, and/or ExamCriteriaIdentify core musical elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, form, timbre, dynamics, and texture with accuracyApply musical vocabulary correctly and consistentlyDescribe how these elements function within a specific style (e.g., blues, gospel, funk)Explain connections between musical elements and cultural or historical contextWritten responses are clear, organized, and supported by musical examplesDemonstrate attention to detail when describing sound (e.g., using terms like syncopation, call-and-response, etc.)Analysis is original and avoids generic or vague languageJournal responses reflect thoughtful listening and interpretation
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Aurally recognize the fundamental elements of musicAssessment StrategiesListening Journal, Written Product, and/or ExamCriteriaIdentify (aurally) basic musical elements of various stylesListen effectively, giving attention to soundJournal responses address the given issue or questionJournal responses are originalJournal responses are clearly written
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Write research papers addressing themes within Black American musical stylesAssessment StrategiesWritten Product (Research Paper)CriteriaTopic relates to the history of Black American musicUse the tools of historical inquiryPaper includes a thesis statement which defends why this artist should be included in discourse of Black American music (popularity, influence on other musicians, style, etc.)Paper is supported by musical evidence (lyrics, instrumentation, rhythms, melodies, texture, etc.)Paper is supported by historical evidence (geographical info [origins, local scene], political ideology, audience information, training of the musicians)Paper includes primary or secondary resources (what do newspaper reviews say about these performers, what magazines wrote about them, etc.)Paper includes body paragraphs that effectively divide the main idea/thesis statement into logical sectionsPaper includes an effective conclusionReferences are cited according to the Research Paper Guidelines
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Evaluate the stylistic creation of a current hip-hop songAssessment StrategiesEssayCriteriaEssay includes the song title, artist’s name, and year of releaseEssay includes music released between 2010-2024 that represents hip-hop (or related genre)Describe at least three interesting and/or unique musical features of your specific songsTrace the influences of your song through two different decades (pre-2010)Describe features typical for the period and/or features that were unique but notable during the periodConclusion highlights the musical changes that occurred over time
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Examine the musical impulses (blues, gospel and jazz) of postwar Black American musicAssessment StrategiesListening Journal, Written Product, and/or ExamCriteriaIdentify at least two distinguishing characteristics of postwar Black American music (such as lyrics, melody, harmony, rhythm, form, timbre and/or an innovative aspect of the song)Describe in detail the characteristicsResponses are objective (fact-based)Use appropriate musical vocabulary
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Trace the historical development of Black American musical styles in the 20th centuryAssessment StrategiesListening Journal, Written Product, and/or ExamCriteriaOutline the chronological progression of major Black American musical stylesIdentify key artists, recordings, innovations, and stylistic features associated with each eraExplain how social, political and technological changes influenced the evolution of each styleDraw clear connections between musical genres and their historical roots, noting continuities and departuresUse accurate terminology to describe musical features and shifts in sound or structureSupport claims with musical and historical examples (specific songs, artists, movements or events)Identify regional variations (e.g., Chicago blues vs. Delta blues, East Coast vs. West Coast hip-hop)
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Examine the role of Black American music in cultural, political and social movementsAssessment StrategiesListening Journal, Written Product, and/or ExamCriteriaIdentify specific movements (e.g., Civil Rights Movement, Black Power, Black Lives Matter) and the role music played within themAnalyze how musical works served as tools for protest, empowerment, community solidarity or resistanceConnect songs and artists to broader political or cultural messages with clarity and depthSupport analysis with relevant musical examples (lyrics, performances, recordings, etc.)Recognize the historical impact of individual artists or collectives in shaping public discourseDiscuss how music was used to mobilize communities, influence opinion or challenge social normsExplain the risks and responsibilities artists carried when engaging in activism
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Explore the effect of major events in American history on the development of Black American musicAssessment StrategiesListening Journal, Written Product, and/or ExamCriteriaUse relevant historical details accurately (dates, figures, locations, legislation, etc.)Connect specific historical events to musical developments, shifts in style, or thematic content in Black American musicDescribe how social, political and economic contexts shaped the music, artists, or movementsSupport analysis with specific musical examples (songs, albums, or artists) that reflect the impact of those eventsDemonstrate critical thinking by explaining cause-and-effect relationships
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Explore the relationship between Black American music, African American history and the history of race and ethnicity in the United StatesAssessment StrategiesListening Journal, Written Product, and/or ExamCriteriaAnalyze how Black American music reflects and responds to the lived experiences of African AmericansConnect musical movements or artists to broader historical and racial contexts (e.g., segregation, systemic racism, cultural pride, Black nationalism, etc.)Identify the role of music as a form of resistance, identity formation or community buildingIncorporate specific musical and historical examples to support claims (songs, lyrics, performances, historical figures, legislation, etc.)Analyze issues of representation, appropriation and access within the music industry and society at largeDemonstrate sensitivity to complex social dynamics without reducing topics to stereotypes or overgeneralizations
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Analyze the functions of Black American music within American cultureAssessment StrategiesListening Journal, Written Product, and/or ExamCriteriaIdentify multiple social, cultural and/or political functions of Black American music (e.g., protest, celebration, storytelling, healing, community building, commercial success)Analyze how specific songs or styles have operated within American society at different points in history with concrete examples from music, including lyrical content, genre characteristics, artist interviews or performancesInvestigate how music has both shaped and reflected American cultural values and debatesExamine the dual role of Black American music as both artistic expression and cultural/political commentaryWritten work is coherent, logically organized, and includes a clearly stated argument or perspective
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Explore the role artists play in musical communicationAssessment StrategiesListening Journal, Written Product, and/or ExamCriteriaArticulate how artists use musical elements (lyrics, rhythm, instrumentation, delivery, etc.) to convey messages, emotions or social commentaryIdentify the intentional choices artists make to connect with specific audiences or communicate cultural identityDescribe the artist’s role not only as a performer but also as a storyteller, activist, innovator or cultural criticRecognize how communication may vary across genres, time periods and platforms (live performance, recordings, social media, etc.)Relate the artist’s background, identity and/or lived experience to their communicative style