MUSIC 3470

Bollywood Songs and South Asian Culture

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2016-2017.

This course focuses on Bollywood, the largest film industry in the world, and explores the world of Hindi film songs: the entertaining song-and-dance sequences that mark it. How have Hindi film songs and musical styles changed over the last half-century? What is the social life of filmi songs, both as they relate to and are independent from the films for which they are composed? Taking Hindi film songs as a celebratory yet critical guide to South Asian history and culture, we will examine issues such as gender, nationalism, and globalization. Combining literature on South Asian history, society, and music with numerous film viewings and close analysis of songs, we will develop a culturally grounded and musically sophisticated understanding of why these songs hold such meaning and appeal, both within South Asia and abroad. No prior knowledge of South Asia or music is required.

When Offered Fall.

Breadth Requirement (GB)
Distribution Category (CA-AS)

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