Course content

In this ethnomusicology course, we will explore the connection between Latin American music(s) and politics from the protest song movements of the 1960s to the present day. Latin America in the late 1960s and early 1970s witnessed the formation of many local protest song movements collectively known as the Latin American Nueva Canción (New Song). New Song musicians opposed oppressive dictatorships and called for social change, while at the same time revitalizing traditional music genres and instruments. While the music of the New Song has lived on as anthems in contemporary social movements and in the Latin American diaspora, other music genres such as rock, hip hop, and cumbia have since played a more important role in helping musicians articulate their political views, visibilize marginalized communities, and express their identities.

The topics and case studies we will focus on include: the Chilean New Song, Spanish-language rock, hip hop in indigenous languages, hybrid music genres in Peru, Afro-Latinx musical movements, the role of music in contemporary social movements, and Latin American musics in diaspora. By studying diverse Latin American music genres and their socio-political context from the 1960s to the present, this course will foster critical enquiry into the following questions: What role does music play in politics in Latin America? What makes music "political"? How has the role of music in social movements in Latin America changed since the 1960s? How are Latin American musicians using different music genres, instruments, and languages to articulate political views, bring attention to marginalized communities, and negotiate their identities? In this way, the course not only aims to give insight into Latin American musics and socio-political contexts, but also into broader debates of music and politics, and within ethnomusicology more broadly.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

Students who complete MUSV3143 successfully will have:

• learned about specific musical traditions and genres in Latin America.
• gained knowledge of the socio-political context of the Latin American countries studied.
• deepened their understanding of the relationship between music and politics in Latin America, and of theories and methods central in ethnomusicology more broadly.

Skills:

Students who complete MUSV3143 successfully will have:

• gained the ability to discuss ethnomusicological texts.
• developed their skills in critical listening and analysis of music in a range of genres.
• deepened their expertise in formulating and presenting their knowledge of music in written and oral form.
• strengthened their cross-disciplinary skills by connecting knowledge of Latin American music to broader issues of politics, identity, and globalization.

Learning methods and activities

This course will consist of mandatory lectures and seminars, with an emphasis on dialogue and discussion. It is expected that students will be prepared to discuss the readings and audiovisual materials set for each lecture/seminar. The course will be taught in English, with room for discussion in both English and Norwegian.

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory attendance (min. 80 %)
• Weekly fieldnotes
• Oral presentation

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

It's recommended that students have a general understanding of current debates in ethnomusicology, have an interest in musics from different parts of the world, and are open to explore music in its social, cultural, and political context.