The role of music in shaping and expressing culture. Musical characteristics of selected African, Asian, and Hawaiian cultures.

The course’s central theme is the importance of the music of relocated peoples (African, Asian, and Hawaiian), the way their music shapes their identities and the way their music can become a part of their new culture.

Music will be used as a means of exploring the heritage of different cultural groups, with the overarching goal of constructing trust and social respect among students of diverse backgrounds so that students will benefit during the rest of their time at UHM and well beyond.

Students will study music from Africa, Hawaii, and Asia, examining how musical elements serve as a means of expressing the culture, mores, and traditions.