MUSIC 427

Music of Africa: Issues and

Processes in African Music
Fall Quarter 2016
MWF 10:30-11:20, Room 213

Dr. Claire Jones

MUSIC 427 Course Description

Music 427 is an introduction to the diversity and vitality of music in Africa as well as the major
issues surrounding the performance and study of African musics. This course is intended to
provide you with a basic understanding of the characteristics and processeswhat is sonically
distinctive and special about the music of Africaand a sampling of the debates and issues
which are specific to African musicology and performance studies. We will cover subjects and
issues of interest to many departments and programs in the arts, humanities, and social sciences,
including African Studies, Anthropology, Comparative History of Ideas, Art History,
Ethnomusicology, Theater and others. To keep it open to as wide a range of students as possible,
it is offered without prerequisites. It will be expected that your experience in a field of study such
as those listed will enhance your understanding of the course material and enrich the class
experience for all. The reading load will be substantial, and students are expected to come to
class prepared to engage.

Graduate students please inquire about the accompanying graduate seminar: jonesc@uw.edu
MUSIC 534: PRECEPTORIAL READINGS IN ETHNOMUSICOLOGY - AFRICA