In the melting pot of New York City where multiculturalism and immigration play an important role since the 19th century, developed one of the most creative global centers of music which was highly influenced by the social and ethnic background of its performers. Urban (contemporary) music, for instance, became part of the multicultural diversity of the metropolis in the late 20th century. This suite of block seminars will introduce B.A. students to the tools and methods for research on music in the U.S. and, particularly, in New York City from the 1970s onwards. We will discuss approaches and methodologies as practiced in the writing of the history of popular culture, and will examine various concepts and analytical categories related to popular music such as performance, aesthetics, emotion, race, class and gender. In this context, students will learn how to analyze, reflect and interprete primary sources, e.g. song texts, fanzines, newspapers, etc. As a part of the final evaluation, I expect students to participate in class. Since most class meetings will center around discussion of recordings, videos, and essays, it is crucial that you have studied these materials before class, and that you are ready and able to articulate your questions, opinions, conclusions, etc. about them. In this context, please prepare the following reading for the first block seminar which will take place on October, 16: 1) Gienow-Hecht, Jessica C.E., "Introduction. Sonic History, or Why Music Matters in International History." Ed. Jessica C.E. Gienow-Hecht, Music and International History in the Twentieth Century (New York, Oxford: Berghahn Books, 2015), 1-28. http://www.berghahnbooks.com/downloads/intros/Gienow-HechtMusic_intro.pdf 2) Perkins, William Eric, “The Rap Attack: An Introduction.” Ed. William Eric Perkins, Droppin' Science. Critical Essays on Rap Music and Hip Hop Culture (Philadelphia, PA: Temple University Press, 1996), 1-37. Further reading for the first block seminar (optional): Currid, Elizabeth, "Chapter 1." The Warhol Economy: How Fashion, Art and Music Drive New York City (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2007), 1-16. close