Selected Topics in Music Literature for Non-Majors (175-0-1)

Topic

East Asian Popular Music

Instructors

Huilin Guan

Meeting Info

RCMA 1-164: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

With East Asian popular music continuing to dominate global playlists, we must ask: What are Asian pop artists communicating? How do their musical expressions vary across different cultural contexts and timeframes?

This course explores the historical, social, and cultural impact of East Asian popular music as a regional and global phenomenon. Through weekly readings, listening, videos, discussion, and interactive activities, students will develop critical thinking and listening skills to explore a variety of cultures and timeframes under the broad umbrella of East Asian pop music culture.

Our case studies will include K-pop, J-pop, Chinese rock, and Hatsune Miku. We will also contextualize East Asian pop culture by analyzing its interaction with American influences and the mutual cultural exchanges among East Asian countries, investigating how East Asian popular music has become a global phenomenon.

Registration Requirements

This course is open to undergraduate non-music majors of all musical backgrounds and experience levels.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize, define, and employ significant terms and concepts related to popular music from Asia that have been introduced in the readings or lectures.
• Describe in broad social, cultural and historical context a variety of works within the course subject areas.
• Be able to distinguish between styles from the different geographical and time frameworks
• Listen, read, speak, analyze and think critically about how East Asian popular music develop as a global phenomenon and its current status.
• Become conversant in the recent scholarship about East Asian popular musics, and consider how the field might be pushed in new and interesting directions.

Teaching Method

This course incorporates lectures, multimedia resources, class discussions, group presentations, and interactive activities. Students will engage in diverse learning experiences designed to deepen their understanding of East Asian popular music as both a cultural product and a lens for examining sociocultural dynamics.

Evaluation Method

Evaluation is based on students' ongoing engagement, collaborative and individual presentations, critical written reflections, and a final creative or research project. Emphasis is placed on thoughtful participation, analytical depth, and the ability to connect music to broader cultural and social contexts.

Class Materials (Required)

No class materials are required for purchase. Access to media (selected visual albums, music
videos, and interviews with artists) will be provided via Google Drive and will not require external subscriptions. All assigned readings will be provided in PDF form.

Class Attributes

Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area