American Sounds presents the development, characteristics, and impact of several significant vernacular American music genres (e.g., ballads, old-time, bluegrass, blues, spirituals, Cajun music). It explores the relationship between folk and popular culture and provides a particularly accessible way to study the process of cultural interaction in the United States with particular emphasis on the relationship between African-American and Anglo/Celtic-American cultural elements and contributions.

1. Watch and listen to the week?s audio and video clips. 2. Complete all the readings on time. 3. Submit all exercises, papers, and projects on time. There will be several short papers and a course project (due at the end). 4. Participate in on-line discussions. 5. Submit 2 evaluations at the end of the course: a self-assessment (for me only) and an assessment of the course and me (for UVM). 6. Spend an average of 2 hours/day on this course.

1. Papers: 25% (each paper not submitted = 0; late papers = minus 1 grade, unless you've made special arrangements with me) 2. Course project 40% 3. 1. Papers: 25% (each paper not submitted = 0; late papers = minus 1 grade, unless you've made special arrangements with me) 2. Course project 40% 3. Participation in on-line discussions & exercises: 15% 4. Use of course materials (audio, video, readings): 20%