The Arts: The Blues

The course fosters familiarity with the character, methods, objectives, major stylists and culture significance of the blues as well as enhances listening abilities and critical thinking. There is directed listening and viewing of blues videos and attendance of blues performances. Students read current criticisms, reportage and oral histories to inform seminar-style classroom discussions of the aesthetic, musicological, socioeconomic and political implications, history, and development of America's bedrock folk form. No previous experience with the blues is required, though students with advanced knowledge are welcomed.