The American Musical

3 credits · Undergraduate

A study of the American musical in the 20th century, beginning with its roots in operetta, vaudeville, and Gilbert and Sullivan, and focusing on its connections to politics, technology, film, opera, and a variety of musical styles, including Tin Pan Alley, jazz, and rock. We will consider a selection of shows through a series of theme units, including American mythologies (and counter-mythologies), race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, issues of fandom and performance of personal identity. For non-majors.