FT 08 - R The Blues Experience: Exploring Blues Music, Cultures, and Literature in the U

Institution:

Wabash College

Subject:

Description:

Ravyn Wilson-Bernard, Department of English What do Nigerian Elvis impersonators, Appalachian farm women, Billie Holiday, and Billy Bob Thornton have in common Surprisingly enough, the answer to this question can greatly impact the way we view ourselves in the context of a global community. When people typically think of "the blues" they tend to focus only on the musical genre. In this course, we will experience a blues aesthetic that has a much larger scope. Through a study of the blues in cultures of the United States South and the Global South, we will reveal a maze of curious roots that bind seemingly disparate cultures. We will explore blues aesthetics in film, music, art, and literature. Credits: 1 Agata Szczeszak-Brewer, Department of English Can a nation of migrants define itself clearly If so, what do we gain or lose by arriving at a clear-cut definition of national identity Why is immigration such a contentious issue This tutorial will focus on legal and illegal immigration in the U.S., as well as global migration of people. We will research and discuss economically-motivated migration, political exile, a relatively new concept of eco-migration (caused by global warming and climate change), and other forms of resettlement. We will investigate problems faced by immigrant communities (e.g. racism, xenophobia, abuse of power in U.S. institutions, inhumane treatment in detention camps, attempts to maintain tradition on the one hand, and to assimilate on the other), problems within the immigrant communities, and issues raised by anti-immigrant movements and legislation. A part of the course will also be devoted to exploration of immigration and exile in literature, film, and art. Prior to their arrival on campus, students will read Zadie Smith's White Teeth. This fall, we will also discuss other novels, journal and newspaper articles, documents, and documentaries. The course will include guest lectures and a service-learning component. Credits: 1

Credits:

1.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

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Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

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Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.wabash.edu

Phone Number:

(765) 361-6100

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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