Culture, Music, Soft Power

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

The Culture, Music, and International Relations course offers a unique and interdisciplinary approach to how music influences and reflects global cultural and political dynamics. The course analyzes movements such as bossa nova, tropicalismo, and the Beatles' cultural revolution, exploring the role of music as a tool of soft power, cultural resistance, and diplomacy. Based on the Evolutionary Theory of Sapiens Survival (ETSS), we will discuss how music contributes to survival, reproduction, and alleviation of human suffering, challenging narratives based on fear and control. Throughout the course, students will participate in lectures, interactive debates, and live musical performances, connecting themes such as cultural identity, globalization, and political conflicts. Iconic cases will be analyzed, such as the global influence of "The Girl from Ipanema", the impact of "Imagine" as an anthem of hope, and the music of resistance during the Military Dictatorship in Brazil. This course is ideal for students who wish to understand music as a powerful cultural and political expression capable of transforming narratives and creating bridges between cultures. Furthermore, it offers a practical and reflective experience that combines theory, analysis, and musical performances.