Mar 18, 2026  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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MUSC 108 - World Music [GEGA or GEKA]


Designed for the non-music major, a study of the World’s music. Basic musical concepts are used to explore diverse musical styles and their functions in cultures throughout the world. This course assumes no prior formal musical training.

Credit 3 hrs May not be repeated for additional credit
Grade Mode Normal (A-F) Course Rotation

Class-Level Restriction Undergraduate standing

In prehistoric times, every culture conceived of the idea of using their voices and creating instruments to communicate; yet each culture’s conception of music differed wildly. In this course, each selected musical tradition is traced from its point of origin to wherever its individual pathway of continuity and transformation may have led. Through this “music-cultural” lens, students view not only the creators of the music but also how each unique musical tradition relates to diverse and intersecting planes of geography, history, identity and cultural worldview and practice. Global issues such as religious and ideological conflicts, Diasporas, militarism, and nationalism have always been vividly illustrated by a culture’s music. Students will gain the ability to see past and present world events from the vantage point of the people who were and are directly affected by them. For these reasons, this course meets the Global Awareness  category of the General Education  program.

The world’s diverse and ever-changing forms of music can foster an appreciation for the inherent qualities of creativity and shared global perspectives teaches students to approach its diversity with an open mind, open ears, thoughtfulness, and engagement. By learning to identify the building blocks of music, and how they are organized in each unique culture, students develop the tools to increase their appreciation and enjoyment of music overall. Moreover, these tools provide students with a productive lens through which to view how music undergoes a process of creative transformation that reflects cultures as they change, grow, intersect and adapt. Upon achieving these objectives, students gain the capacity to enhance their appreciation for cultural diversity and intercultural tolerance. For these reasons, this course meets the Knowledge of the Disciplines (GEKA)  category of the General Education  program.
Notes -
Updates Gen Ed Approval 1/2013, effective Summer 2013; New Course 6/2012, effective Winter 2013


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