Introduction to the Blues

This course is designed to introduce forms and genres of the blues in both their historical and cultural context. The blues will be explored as an American contribution, tracing the development of African American music through its connection to West African musical traditions through the Jim Crow era of the South. Assigned readings with active listening are an integral part of the course. The student will be introduced to digital resources on the subject of the blues. Students will be required to compose a listening journal with criticisms of blues listening prompts and complete a cumulative project that presents biographical and musical materials about a selected blues musician.