Musical Legacies of Black Feminism, Topics in 20th Century Music (355-0-1)
Instructors
Ryan Wayne Dohoney
ryan.dohoney@northwestern.edu
Office Hours: Email instructor to arrange a meeting.
Meeting Info
Online: Tues, Thurs, 12:30PM - 1:50PM
Overview of class
This course investigates musical performance, composition, and improvisation as Black Feminist praxis in the US from the early 20th century to the present. Through close listening to musical documents by significant Black women artists and close reading to related texts by foundational Black Feminist thinkers, we will gain an understanding of the role of sound and performance in the work of social critique and the Black Radical Tradition. Musicians featured may include: Bessie Smith, BillieHoliday, Abbey Lincoln, Jeanne Lee, Grace Jones, Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Beyoncé, Solange, Pamela Z, Angel Bat Dawid, and Courtney Bryan.
Learning Objectives
To gain a knowledge of the role of music in the development and circulation of Black feminist thought. To connect their listening practice to political and philosophical concepts.
Class Materials (Required)
All course materials will be provided on Canvas.
Class Notes
After the introductory week, we will meet synchronously on Thursdays for collective listening and discussion.
Class Attributes
Synchronous:Class meets remotely at scheduled time