Black Song and Poetry

This course will investigate song and poetry forms from a Black Arts perspective to develop an appropriate performing repertoire. Emphasis will be placed on Black Music and Song forms including spirituals, blues, jazz, reggae and hip-hop. Students will learn the connection between song forms and poetic verse, and will analyze key poets, from the Black Arts Movement. Students will study and discuss the cultural similarities between African, Latin, Caribbean, and American song forms. Class will be encouraged to compose and develop original material for performances.