This course examines the critical discourse relating to the history, sociology and philosophy of contemporary musical expression in North America. Students critically analyze the influence of critical theory, technology, ideology, aesthetics, class, ethnicity, race, age and gender, on various genres of music including jazz-rock fusion, jazz neo-classicism, progressive rock, heavy metal, singer-songwriters, disco, and punk rock. Class discussions centre on readings in sociology, musicology and philosophy and serve to enrich the students’ perception and understanding of the music experience and contemporary culture.
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