MUS 230 Seminar in Caribbean Music (Not offered 2006-2007; to be offered 2007-2008)*
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.
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. Enrollment limit: 10.