Gender and Sexuality in Music

Gender and Sexuality in Music Seminar

In this discussion seminar, we will explore a variety of issues concerning gender and sexuality from the perspective of Ethnomusicology, Music Sociology, and Popular Music Studies. We will examine case studies from classical, traditional, and popular music scenes in dominant and minority cultures in Western and non-Western countries in order to understand the different methods through which music acquires gendered and sexualized meaning and efficacy in society.  Themes include: how music maintains gender inequalities and enforces subjugating behavior; how music is used to protest and resist gender and sexuality-related beliefs and norms; how performers are restricted by sexism and stereotyping in the music industry; how cis- and transgendered performers defy or enforce gender expectations; how listeners identify with music and build fan or dance communities; and how music empowers gender and sexual identities and expressions. Students will be asked to bring musical examples and/or stories illustrating each week’s theme to share with the class.
           
Language: Readings and presentations by the instructor will be in English. Seminar discussions may be in a mixture of English and German. Final assessments may be submitted in either English or German according to the student’s preference.

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