20805229 Blues to Hip-Hop: Black American Music
Course Information
Description
This course explores how African-American communities moved America away from European traditions, leading the way in creating musics that are uniquely American. We will examine historical recordings to develop listening skills and identify specific musical characteristics among a variety of Black American musical styles, including blues, jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, soul, funk and hip-hop. Previous musical experience is not necessary.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Analyze the elements of music as they pertain to Black American music
    Assessment Strategies
    Listening Journal, Written Product, and/or Exam

  2. Aurally recognize the fundamental elements of music
    Assessment Strategies
    Listening Journal, Written Product, and/or Exam
    Criteria
    Identify (aurally) basic musical elements of various styles
    Listen effectively, giving attention to sound
    Journal responses address the given issue or question
    Journal responses are original
    Journal responses are clearly written

  3. Write research papers addressing themes within Black American musical styles
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product (Research Paper)
    Criteria
    Topic relates to the history of Black American music
    Use the tools of historical inquiry
    Paper 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 sections
    Paper includes an effective conclusion
    References are cited according to the Research Paper Guidelines

  4. Evaluate the stylistic creation of a current hip-hop song
    Assessment Strategies
    Essay
    Criteria
    Essay includes the song title, artist’s name, and year of release
    Essay 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 songs
    Trace 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 period
    Conclusion highlights the musical changes that occurred over time

  5. Examine the musical impulses (blues, gospel and jazz) of postwar Black American music
    Assessment Strategies
    Listening Journal, Written Product, and/or Exam
    Criteria
    Identify 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 characteristics
    Responses are objective (fact-based)
    Use appropriate musical vocabulary

  6. Trace the historical development of Black American musical styles in the 20th century

  7. Examine the role of Black American music in cultural, political and social movements

  8. Explore the effect of major events in American history on the development of Black American music

  9. Explore the relationship between Black American music, African American history and the history of race and ethnicity in the United States

  10. Analyze the functions of Black American music within American culture

  11. Explore the role artists play in musical communication

This Outline is under development.