Music and Culture in Afghanistan and Central Asia

Survey of music of Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Xinjiang, including traditional and popular styles. Examination of modal systems and specific music genres of these regions, and exploration of cultural contexts, communicative functions, forms, styles, instruments, and musical philosophies. Consideration of interrelationships between musical genres and other art forms (dance, theater, visual arts, and literature) and analysis of how these types of music have intersected with issues of race, class, gender, religion, ritual, politics, social movements, and cultural identity. Includes detailed introduction to musical terms and concepts throughout.

Letter grading.