IODLCS0114 - The Sounds of Philadelphia

Course Description

Often called "The Birthplace of the United States," Philadelphia has an extraordinarily rich and important musical history that is emblematic of the diverse populations that created this nation. From the late eighteenth century to the present day, Philadelphia has cultivated innovative musical styles that are as varied as the city's population itself. This course will explore the history of music in Philadelphia, using music as a gateway to understand and challenge assumptions regarding issues of race, gender, sexuality, class, ethnicity, and identity. In this course, students will learn about composers, musical artists, and institutions with deep roots in Philadelphia in the framework of issues related to race and diversity. They will be asked to critically reflect on experiences in their own lives that influenced their musical tastes and to explore the connections between musical preference and identity. NOTE: This course fulfills the Race and Diversity (GD) GenEd requirement.