Southern Appalachia is renowned for its rich history of traditional music and dance, but what exactly is “Appalachian Music?” This course examines vernacular music making in the southern Appalachian region across time and place using themes such as music and migration; gender, race, and identity; and commercialization and authenticity. This course also explores the ways that southern Appalachian musicians have been represented, misrepresented, or excluded from popular discourse. Sources include readings, recordings, and documentary films as well as guest artists. Students will be expected to complete weekly reading/listening/concert written responses as well as assist in planning and executing the Fiddles & Folklife Festival on campus. There will be a 15-hour time commitment for the CE component, including 10 hours outside of regular class meeting time. This course fulfills the Community Engaged course requirement. There is no course prerequisite. GE: Artistic Expression
- Teacher: Natalya Weinstein Miller