American Sounds is an interdisciplinary survey of American ?folk? music (including ballads, blues, old-time, bluegrass), focusing on its European and African ancestry. It explores the relationship between folk and popular culture and the process of cultural interaction in the United States with particular emphasis on the relationship between African and Anglo/Celtic cultural elements and contributions. Extensive use is made of audio and video examples. The main text is LeRoi Jones' (Amiri Baraka?s) "Blues People," along with articles and portions of other books. There will be several short papers and a term paper/project.

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. Participation in on-line discussions & exercises: 15% 4. Use of course materials (audio, video, readings): 20%