I. COURSE OVERVIEW

This course is designed to survey the diversity and breathe of what we call music. The emphasis of the course is on perspectives of critical thinking, reflective listening and active engagement. Throughout the course, we will learn about local musical traditions on their own terms as well as attempt to understand the socio-cultural conditions of each tradition.

In considering some of these issues we move from one genre or locale to another, the focus will be developing our abilities to identify, describe, and discuss music, in terms of both style and cultural context. Through the lens of music, we will investigate human diversity, ingenuity, and artistry and highlight ways in which music-making are integral to the spheres of collective and individual expression in all its political, social and cultural dimensions.

This course draws on open access and on free to access resources. This means you will be able to access all class material with zero cost. This course largely draws on documentaries that will feature master musicians and musical communities.

II. LEARNING GOALS

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Identify and describe performance techniques, instruments and forms associated with studied musical traditions;
• Understand and explain how musical practices both shape and are shaped by historical and social conditions by critically situating them within broader issues such as politics, religion, race, gender, colonialism, globalization and others;
• Develop critical listening skills that will enable us to better appreciate and identify various musical genres.

III. REQUIREMENTS & RULES 

Though much of our class time will be devoted to listening to and analysing musical life, there is no expectation that students have any prior knowledge of music, such as an ability to read Western staff notation or play an instrument. All students with prior musical training are encouraged to share their knowledge, regardless of background or expertise.

Come to all classes prepared to discuss the assigned readings, audio examples, documentaries, and any other relevant media. Please be ready to participate in in class musical activities, including clapping rhythms or pulses; singing melodic phrases or scales; and answering questions based on those materials. Active participation is a significant portion of your grade. Reading and listening assignments are essential to your ability to both participate actively in the class and succeed on the film blogs. The course will be conducted on CUNY Academic Commons, in-person / on zoom, and weekly quizzes will be conducted using Microsoft Forms.

Participation is a key part of this class and in order to participate, you must be in class. We have 15 regular class meetings this semester. Conspicuous lack of attendance will seriously affect your grade. You are allowed to miss one class without losing attendance points. If there is a reason for your absence, please bring it to my attention.

There will be weekly reading quizzes. Weekly quizzes should be available in Microsoft Forms; and they will be available 24 hours before our class meeting. There will be 13 quizzes in total, and you will be allowed to miss three without losing any points.

Film Reviews— we will watch 8 films throughout this course. You will be asked to discuss a few questions and share your thoughts with your colleagues on Slack. Each film review is worth 4 points. You are also expected to participate in the discussion by leaving one discussion comments on one of your colleagues’ posts. The comment has to be meaningful. Each comment is worth one point.

IV. COURSE SECTIONS

Synchronous course elements:

• Class meetings: We will meet in-person / on zoom on Tuesdays. We will not meet in person on Thursdays.
• Office hours: I will be happy to meet in-person / on zoom during office hours on Wednesday (time TBA).

Asynchronous course elements:

• Weekly quizzes: Weekly quizzes will be conducted on Microsoft Forms and will be shared 24 hours before our class on Tuesdays.
• Films/Documentaries: Eight documentaries will be required in this course. You will be able to watch the documentaries on your own. Film discussion questions will be posted under Film Blog.
• Office hours: I will be happy to meet on Zoom or in-person during office hours on Wednesday (time TBA).

V. Grading Policy

• Weekly Quizzes: 30 points.
• Film Reviews: 40 points.
• Class Participation & Attendance: 15 points.
• Final Album Review: 15 points.

VI. Hunter College Policy on Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

Brooklyn College regards acts of academic dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism, cheating on examinations, obtaining unfair advantage, and falsification of records and official documents) as serious offenses against the values of intellectual honesty. The College is committed to enforcing the CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity and will pursue cases of academic dishonesty according to the Hunter College Academic Integrity Procedures. In short, just don’t do it!

VII. Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

In compliance with the ADA and with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Hunter College is committed to ensuring educational access and accommodations for all its registered students. Hunter College’s students with disabilities and medical conditions are encouraged to register with the Office of Accessibility for assistance and accommodation. For information and appointment contact the Office of Accessibility or call (212) 772-4857 or sending an email to accessability@hunter.cuny.edu. For more information, please visit the office’s webpage.

VIII. Hunter College Policy on Sexual Misconduct

In compliance with the CUNY Policy on Sexual Misconduct, Hunter College reaffirms the prohibition of any sexual misconduct, which includes sexual violence, sexual harassment, and gender-based harassment retaliation against students, employees, or visitors, as well as certain intimate relationships. Students who have experienced any form of sexual violence on or off campus (including CUNY-sponsored trips and events) are entitled to the rights outlined in the Bill of Rights for Hunter College.

IX. Course Schedule and Materials

Please check them here.