GRMUS 659P — Roots: Rhythms, Music, and Dance of the Americas

2 credits
Fall
Elio Villafranca

This practicum-based course explores the rich and diverse rhythm, music, and dance traditions of the African Diaspora in Latin America and the Caribbean. Multiple resources such as reading materials, videos, and audio samples will be used to introduce and provide knowledge of the life, music, dance, rhythms, drums, and religious practices of people in these regions, with the aim of achieving an authentic cultural experience. Each topic will be followed by an in-class practicum, where each student will have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge through the discussion and presentation of original compositions, dance pieces, vocal works, or rhythm performances. Three regions will be covered in this course: The Caribbean (Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico), Central America (Panamá and Honduras), and South America (Perú, Colombia, Ecuador.)