MUS 361. History and Culture of Country Music. 4 Credits.
Country music is often perceived as simple music about beer, trucks, and women. While some country music fits this description, there is much more depth to this rich and multifaceted genre than is apparent on the surface. We will follow the progression of country music from the Appalachian ballads, blues, and gospel of the early 20th century to the present day. Using case studies of performers, we will explore what comprises the term “country”; the gender and racial disparities within the genre; and the politicization of this music and its performers in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Additional Information:
Arts Letters Area
Cultural Literacy: US: Difference, Inequality, Agency