A comparative and integrative study of American music, this course explores the music traditions and styles of Native Americans, European Americans, African Americans, Chicano/Latino Americans, and Asian Americans, from their historical roots to the present. It includes a wide variety of genres, such as folk, spirituals, gospel, soul, blues, jazz, Cajun, zydeco, salsa, Tejano, hip-hop, and rap. Students will look at these musical traditions from a technical and a cultural perspective as they develop listening and descriptive skills.