MUSIC 190R: Topics in World Music: Music in Islamic Contexts: South and Central Asia

This course focuses on arts of sound associated with Islam in South Asia and Central Asia (including Iran). We explore how specific musical procedures and uses of sound cut across these Asian regions, and how ideologies, philosophies, and texts—associated with Islam locally, nationally, and internationally—shape local understandings and constructions of sound. In the most general sense, we address fundamental questions about what "music" is or could be, and what motivates people to listen to and perform it. The content of classes will include lectures, discussions, live musical demonstrations and careful review of audio-visual materials.

Instructor: Richard Wolf