This seminar will examine the music of several Caribbean islands, especially Trinidad, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Haiti. Although the focus of this seminar is Caribbean music, students with sufficient background may write about Caribbean dance. Potential topics to be investigated include: African and European influences in the music of the Caribbean, Creolization in music, the colonial legacy as it has affected music, the effect of migration and globalization on music, the impact of Caribbean music abroad, gender roles in Caribbean music, the creativity of Caribbean musicians, and nationalism in music.
Students will write four 5- to 8-page papers on the above topics. Classes will consist of presentations by students and their professor. Student papers will be read beforehand by all students and the instructor and discussed in class. In order to allow time for the professor and the students to read and think about the papers to be discussed, all papers must be e-mailed to the instructor and other students at least 24 hours before the class. No late papers accepted. Paper presentations should be illustrated with audio or video examples when possible. Prerequisites: substantial knowledge of the history, culture, and the society of at least one Caribbean country or prior course work in (or substantial knowledge of) music. Interested student should submit an essay describing background and interest in the subject matter. Enrollment limit: 10.