MUS. 277 - African American Music

    Recent Professors
    Michelle L. Hawkins, Luis G. Zuniga
    Recent Semesters
    Spring 2026, Summer 2025, Spring 2025
    Class Size
    45 students
    Credits
    3
    Spring 2026 Sections
    View Spring 2026 sections of MUS. 277
    Transfers To
    UC and CSUCal-GETC Area 3B · Cal-GETC Area 3A · IGETC Area 3A · IGETC Area 3B · CSU GE Area C1 · CSU GE Area C2
    Description
    Explores the history, stylistic richness, and variety of African American music in the United States from the 17th century to the present. Examines the character and influence of traditional West African music on the development of American musical genres including: Spirituals, Blues, Jazz, R&B, Soul, Funk and Hip-Hop. Includes discussion and analyses of the critical issues, creative ideas and social events which informed and shaped its development and its impact and influence on contemporary American culture, race relations, and politics. Works of major Black composers and performers will be studied including their influence on composers of other cultures.