<p>whats the workload like, can you miss lectures? any comments about the exams, workload, etc?</p>
<p>You don’t have to study almost at all outside of class, but you don’t wanna miss any of her lectures either. As boring as it gets, her lectures are actually important for the exams. There are 3 essays over the semester, but they are just intense BS-ing.</p>
<p>So how easy is it? Let’s just say it is the only 4-unit class that I got an A on so far…</p>
<p>@UpMagic: So do we need to get the books required for the class?</p>
<p>Technically you can survive without the book even though there are required readings for each lectures.
But it is a very good succinct textbook and is relatively cheap, so get one.</p>
<p>What kinds of music and genres does the class cover?</p>
<p>When I took music27, the professor advised us to take music26 if we were more interested in modern music.</p>
<p>What do you mean by modern music? Is that referring to various decades of the 1900s? Or as in music right now?</p>
<p>I agree with everything that UpMagic said - except that lectures were boring - it’s really interesting to hear about theories of how music has evolved over the years! Her lecturing style might not be the most engaging, but she won’t go off track and has a ton of knowledge. She’ll also bring in guest performers once in awhile, and those are usually a lot of fun. Cal Taiko came in one time to give a performance!</p>
<p>Go to lecture, do your essay assignments, and know your facts. The listening samples she posts on Bspace might be helpful.</p>
<p>As for the book - it’s definitely not necessary, but I found it to be an interesting read. If you’re interested in American music, I recommend reading it. It’s not too long and is written well. </p>
<p>The class covers (mostly American, with some examples from Africa and Europe when called for) music from about 1750 to today, with a focus on intersections between music, race, politics, and social movements. You’ll go over: jazz, folk, swing, taiko, nortec, mariachi, blues, and a bunch more. </p>
<p>Take the class if you can get in! It’s easy, fun, interesting, fulfills requirements, and doesn’t take a lot of time.</p>