Folk Music Experience - Bird Songs!

This course combines playing and singing folk music with the study of the contexts in which folk music has evolved. For this quarter, we will do something we have never done: a quarter-long celebration of spring through songs that are about birds or include bird-related lyrics. Students will be expected to participate in discussions on the readings during the first five weeks of the course. Each student will also be asked to introduce one song to the class that enriches our knowledge of folk music or the context within which folk music has been written and performed. These songs should be about birds or include bird-related lyrics (list of possible songs provided). We’ll even do a bit of outdoor bird watching! Students will write a short research paper that forms the basis for their presentations on the song and its context. Students will also be responsible for learning and practicing the songs that are presented to the class, including practice in small groups. Students are encouraged to gain practice at playing one or more folk music instruments during the course and are invited to join the course even if they are beginners at playing an instrument or if they prefer to just sing.