MUS 126 Musics of Asia (Not offered 2006-2007; to be offered 2007-2008)*
This course offers an introduction to the great diversity of Asian music. Our survey will span from East Asia (China, Korea, and Japan) to Southeast Asia (Thailand and Indonesia) to the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia (Tibet and Afghanistan), to the Middle East (Iran and the Arabian peninsula), and will end with the
extension of Asian music across North Africa and into Eastern Europe. Within
this broad survey, we will focus on selected and representative musical cultures
and genres. In each section of the course, aspects of cultural context (including
music's function in religious life and its relationship to the other arts), will be
emphasized. While our focus will be on the traditional and classical musics of
these cultures, we will also briefly consider the current musical scene. Encounters with this music will include attendance at live performances when possible.
Format: lecture/discussion. Evaluation will be based on four tests and two papers.
No prerequisites; no musical experience necessary. Enrollment limit: 35.