MUS 128 — The Music of Latin America
MUS128 explores the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of Latin American popular musical cultures, helping students to understand the connections between indigenous peoples, colonization, racial hybridity, African diaspora and musical characteristics. Students will learn to identify common cultural, historical and musical traits, which will allow for a deeper understanding of different Latin musical genres, including, but not limited to Bachata, Bomba, Dembow, Reggaeton, Trap, Son, Salsa, Danzón, Cha-cha-cha, Guaracha, Son Jarocho, Ranchera, Huapango, Merengue, Cumbia, Danzón, Lando, Festejo, Cueca, Samba, Bossa Nova, Baião, Maracatu, Chacarera, & Milonga, along with rhythmic patterns, melodic characteristics, and the culture surrounding each genre (function, ethnic groups, religious elements, & dance).