MUSC 250 Music Urbanism

What is a music city? Why does it matter? This course will explore the “music cities movement,” unpacking how music exists within cities, how it is influenced by the processes of urbanization, and ultimately how it can play a role in building healthier, safer, more vibrant places. Students will consider the problems and promises of the City in new ways, exploring how art and culture interact with myriad urban challenges from gentrification and displacement to affordable housing, transit, crime and more. In parallel, they will gain a deep understanding of how music can be leveraged as a tool to attract capital and grow prosperity. In building their own music strategies, they will be challenged to build better cities while centering artists, and forced to consider whether both can be accomplished in a capitalist society.