Racial Attitudes, Racial Prejudice, and Racial Politics

This course brings together the theories and strategies for perspective taking of two disciplines, Music and Political Science, to unravel some of our most complicated questions around race and inequality in the US. We will (a) focus on how institutions and people have defined 'race' and codified racial categories over time; (b) investigate how people have grappled with, challenged, or exacerbated racial inequalities through the arts; and (c) explore how racial politics are shaped by culture, and vice versa. By reviewing works from social science, humanities, and artists; modeling modes of communication; and addressing conflict and appropriation through active music making, we will analyze racism as a centripetal force in American society. No prior musical experience necessary.