Musical Cultures

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course offers an interdisciplinary exploration of how music functions as a dynamic cultural force. It integrates insights from ethnomusicology, cultural studies, urban planning, public policy, and community development to examine how music shapes everyday life, contributes to social and cultural networks, and responds to various policy and advocacy efforts. Students will explore the effects of zoning laws, noise ordinances, and arts funding on the sustainability of musical cultures and the pivotal role of community music programs in fostering cultural equity and social cohesion. The course takes advantage of Georgetown's strategic location in Washington, DC, offering students direct engagement with local music scenes, policymakers, and cultural institutions. Key topics include music's role in urban community building and its impact on cultural and social identities, strategies for using music for advocacy, social change, and community development, and ethical considerations in cultural representation and the deployment of music in public policy initiatives. Through lectures, guest speakers, case studies, and field experiences, students will gain an understanding of the intersections between music, culture, and policy.