MUSI203

This course explores a selection ofmusicbal traditions from Brazil, Mexico, and the Hispanic Caribbean, with attention to their presence, transformation, and reception in the United States. (The countries and genres may vary by semester.) In addition to introducing a range ofmusical systems, ensembles of instruments, performance settings, historical changes, and cultural significances, the course connects musical expressions from the past and present to socio-cultural issues of race/ethnicity, class, gender, religion, politics, economics, nationalism, migration, and identity. Students will listen closely to, read about, learn to play (on a basic level), and create music; however, no musical background is required. Students will have opportunities to research live music on and off campus, although leaving campus is not required. The course counts for the Ramapo Arch Program-Culture and Creativity, major and minor in Music, minor in Anthropology, and minor in Latino/a and Latin American Studies.