MUSI 027. Divas

This course examines the musical performances and personae of 20th and 21st century musical "divas" through the lenses of race, class, gender, sexuality, and fandom. Special attention is on how popular divas have disrupted dominant discourses of gender, sex, race, religion, and embodiment, as well as articulated resistance to hegemonic cultural requirements. Discussions will address questions such as: Who is a diva, and what constitutes diva-ness? How have divas defined, expanded, and transgressed boundaries of acceptable female musicianship? How can subversion and resistance be read in mass-produced cultural forms? What has the effect of technology and mediation been on diva performance and reception? What is the role of camp and outrageousness in diva performance and imitation?
Prerequisite: MUSI 011 or permission of instructor.
Humanities.
1 credit.
Spring 2025. Blasina.
Department website: Music and Dance: Music

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