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Home 2016-2017 Undergraduate College Catalog Course Offerings Music History & Literature Courses MUH 3050: The Blues (3 cr.)

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MUH 3050: The Blues (3 cr.)

This course traces the history and development of

blues from African origins through the rural

blues of Mississippi, to electric blues of

Chicago, to the influence of blues on country

music and rhythm and Blues, to the foundational

aspects of blues for jazz, contemporary popular

music and rock. We will look closely at the music

itself and the people who make it, as well as its

rural and urban social contexts.

The Blues will begin with an examination of the

elements of music, which apply to blues, to

develop useful terminology and a common language

for discussion. After comparing some of the

African roots of blues and its rural southern

origins, we will follow its migration to the

urban centers of the North and West. By the end

of this course students should have a greater

understanding of the richness and diversity of

blues, as well as its connection to several music

genres within American culture. Access to fast

and reliable Internet will be important to keep

up with listening materials. Some previous

musical experience (coursework, lessons, or

ability to play an instrument) would also be

helpful, but not required.

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