Radical Listening

4 credits · Undergraduate

We explore music by considering its connections to broader ideas like culture, memory, identity, and gender. Listening to music with these perspectives can deepen our emotional connection to it, which helps us develop stronger senses of empathy, influencing how we interact with others as compassionate citizens. We’ll practice this "radical listening" by analyzing popular music from artists like The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Missy Elliott, David Bowie, Kanye West, and more. We'll also explore experimental music and new trends, and the impact of AI. No previous music experience is required. You will also learn to use a digital audio workstation (DAW) to edit audio files, create mashups, and produce podcasts.