Music and Protest: Sounding Social Change in the United States

3 units

How can music mobilize and organize people for social change? How does music both reflect and shape the politics of protest in the United States? This course introduces students to the history of U.S. protest music from the mid-19th century to the present day, with emphasis on issues of racism, class conflict, gender, and civil rights. The course features a special emphasis on today's social-political climate and analyzes the music and soundscapes of issues and movements such as Black Lives Matter, immigrant rights, gun violence, and environmental justice. Artists studied include Woody Guthrie, Billie Holiday, Bob Dylan, Nina Simone, Beyoncé, and Kendrick Lamar. No music experience necessary.