Pirate Songs & Whaling Chanteys

3-0-9 units. HASS-A · Undergraduate

Explores the role of music in US maritime culture ¿ both factual and fictional. From African American dockworkers' songs in 19th-century Southern ports, to chanteys on American whaling vessels, to 20th-century folk revivals, to the singing pirates of film and video games, examines the musics that have animated the US's cultural fascination with the sea. Students analyze primary source material including song collections, recordings, online folk music message boards, and social media videos. Involves frequent singing as an exploration of the repertoire and the cultural phenomenon of participatory chantey sings. No prior musical experience needed. Limited to 20.