The Theology of American Popular Music (Religion, Social Movements, and Music)
AFRAMER 152X
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
The course will examine contemporary Popular Music, the Spirituals, Blues, Jazz, Gospel, Rock, Pop, to Hip Hop Culture, and artists ranging from Earth Wind and Fire, Thelonius Monk, Nina Simone, The Beatles, Kirk Franklin to the "Artist" (Prince), Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar.
Here we will look at the intersections of religion, music, and social movements across diverse historical, cultural, and global contexts.
Discussions will center on the theological and artistic, cultural implications of these styles and traditions. The course may address topics such as music in religious activism and protest traditions; the role of sacred and secular sound in movements for racial, social, and political justice; global devotional performance practices; and the theological, ethical, and affective dimensions of musical expression in collective action. The course focus then places an emphasis on the dual nature of music as a cultural product, expressing artistic, social, political, and theological world views.
What does their art have to say about who you are in this world?
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
NOTE: This course requires additional sections; you will be prompted to choose secondary components during the Add to Cart process
