MUSA2412 · Music

Hamilton and the American Musical

Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences

Few recent artworks have grabbed hold of the American public consciousness likeHamilton: An American Musical. Lin-Manuel Miranda's show is deeply rooted in the conventions of American music theater, which since the mid-nineteenth century has been a site for exploring racial representation, cultural exchange, and national identity. Fueled by the vibrant musical language of hip hop, rooted in Black resistance, Hamilton also seemed to meet and reflect a volatile moment of racial reckoning in America. In this course, open to music majors and non-majors, students will examine the political, cultural, and musical resonances ofHamilton within these rich historical contexts. Fulfills popular music in Music Major, cross-cultural course in Music Minor.