Musics of India & West Asia · Music
I learned music and different factors/influence such as geography, history, war and religion in music.
Basics of Indian Classical Music, and music as an object and culture. I have a decent understanding of how to enjoy Indian Classical Music and appreciate the exposition of the Raags.
I was introduced to a rich and complex tradition of music that I would probably never had previously explored if it weren’t for this course: Indian and West Asian music. I learned about the traditional Hindustani and Carnatic genres, traditional Indian instruments, and the ways in which traditional and popular music evolved in response to culture, time periods, and technology. I also learned to think more critically when listening to any kind of music, asking questions such as: Who is the audience? What is the artist’s history (nationality, ethnicity, familial roots, geographical location, socioeconomic status, etc.)? What is the purpose of the song? Is there a purpose? Who determines what is good or bad?
Basic music terms and also about music in general in the Middle east and South Asia!
Weekly discussion post 3 papers (1 in late September, 1 around midterms, 1 right before finals wk) Final exam, in person No midterm exam
Origins and evolutions of music from West and South Asia Identifying specific elements characterising music from these regions how the culture relates to political history of these regions, current music from Asia
The course is 90% India. 2 lectures on Pakistan, 1 on Afghanistan, and 1 on the Levant/Morocco. Not super music-theory based, more culture.
Talking about music in West and South Asia (the Middle East, India) in the context of its cultural implications.
Class content was curated nicely. Workload was very manageable, and prof is very understanding if you have a valid reason for extensions on assignments. If you put in the effort (do the readings and listenings, which are maybe 2-3 hrs/wk tops) and participate in class, you'll be fine. Professor also arranged for live performances / Q&A with musicians pertaining to curriculum; very cool experience.
Learned about some of the music originating from or inspired by Western and Southern Asia, with plenty of useful cultural context.