MUS 132 — The Music of Brazil
MUS132 explores the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of Brazilian music from pre-colonial times to the 21st century. By tracing historical and musical parallels with Cuba, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Colombia & the Dominican Republic, this course offers a broader view on culture and society in Latin America. Utilizing scholarship from Brazilian musicologists, music, race, religion, cultural appropriation, globalization, African diaspora, exoticism, and biased historiography will be examined. Students will learn to identify Brazilian genres such as Choro, Lundu, Modinha, Samba, Samba Canção, Bossa Nova, MPB, Tropicália, Maracatu, Frevo and Ijexá, along with rhythmic patterns, melodic characteristics, and the culture surrounding each genre (function, ethnic groups, religious elements, & dance).