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First Lecture For January Term Class 2010 American Negro Spirituals by Dr. Francois S. Clemmons

2010 Syllabus January Term Class

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2010 Syllabus January Term Class

Middlebury College
Monday-Thursday   1:00pm-3:00pm
Mead Chapel
Professor François S. Clemmons–

……If you do not want your slave to speak freely, you should also forbid him to sing.!!!!!………..Against all odds, the slave opened his mouth and began to sing, and continued to sing, pouring forth new songs like magic apples from a heart bursting with love, faith, and adoration for the love of God.  His efforts filled one of the grandest pages in musical history for all time:  the glorious and unique American Negro Spiritual.          Hall Johnson
                        The Music of Black Americans
                        Ed. By Eileen Southern
                        pp. 269-270     SBN 393 09892 3
                            Course Objectives

1.    To understand how the American Negro Spiritual was created, formed, and     developed.

2.    To develop historical imagination and curiosity,   i.e., cultivate the ability to understand the circumstances   and perspectives of   Black Americans and gain a critical perspective on Black musical history while standing within the larger arena of American cultural history.

3.    To participate in the art of singing the American Negro Spiritual.
    (Choral and solo traditions)

4.    We will have an ongoing discussion as to who should sing American Negro    Spirituals?  Where and When?

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down,

          yea we wept, when we remembered Zion.

We hanged our harps upon the willows

in the midst thereof

For there they that carried us away captive

required of us a song; and they that

wasted us required of us mirth, saying

sing us one of the songs of Zion

How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?

 

                                                Psalm 137:1—4        

Course Readings
The following are required readings:
    Southern, Eileen, T
The Music Of Black Americans    
    Part I    Chapter 1-8, pp.3-366.
    Part II   Chapter 8-11 pp. 367-456
    Southern, Eileen,   Readings In Black American Music
    Clemmons, François S.  Songs For Today
    Hayes, Roland     My Songs
    Songs of Zion- A Supplemental Worship Resource
    Part I    Preface–pp. ix; Keys to Musical Interpretation, etc. Pp.xiii,
    A Historical Account of the Hymn in the Black Worship Experience     #1
    Part II   A Historical Account of the Negro Spiritual Pg. 73
    Part III  A Historical Account of the Black Gospel Song Pg. 172
Jones, Arthur C.   Wade In The Water
Parish, Lydia     Slave Songs Of The Georgia Sea Islands
        Forward, & An Explanation, & Introduction
         Chapters 1 & 2 p 3-45.

Course Format
1. You must complete all readings before class time. You must view all films, either at the scheduled time or before the following class.  I’ll want to know and hope that you will share with the class exactly what issues does the film or reading raise for you? What connections do you see between our featured film or readings? Also keep in mind any QUESTION which should show that you have thought about the overall scenario or text and that you are curious to know more. As we go on, you will be encouraged to share your own responses with the responses of your classmates. Occasionally students will also be responsible for leading discussions on the film and/or topic of the day. (It improves your grade to lead a discussion. If you wish to volunteer do let me know.)

2. First 3-page paper: Page 1—Your biographical sketch with the highlights of your life (It can be more than one page!!!); Page 2—Why you took this course and what you plan to get out of it; and Page 3—How you feel about American Negro Spirituals in light of Obama’s election as the 44th president of the United States.  (10% of your final grade.)  Include clear photos of YOU!!!!!

3. Class participation, including any scheduled discussions, debates, group leadership presentations, or extra contributions (40% + of your grade!!!!!)

4. The Second Class Paper will be a biographical presentation of some historical figure to be presented in class. You may select from the list shown earlier in the syllabus. (20% of the final grade). Include at least three Photos of the subject.

 

5.  The Final Exam is an in-class/group collaboration. (20% of your grade)

 

6.  Some portion of the final grade is always left to the academic discretion          of the professor!!!!!!

 

All assigned books, video tapes, and CD’s have been placed on library reserve.  Books are available in the bookstore
Notebook Required!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Portable tape recorder suggested/can be helpful for class.

    Governing questions. for your final paper & for the class in general.    
    1.    Context:    What is the social and historical context of the American Negro Spiritual, or of the historical figure, or of America at the time?  Furthermore, what are the prevalent influences of the past, including habits of mind, heart, and hand; and influences of class, gender, ethnic, racial, and cultural membership?  What are the political, economic, artistic and religious affiliations and forces?  Who are the most significant actors on the scene?  Do they have significant influences or relationships that affect their situation(s)? …each other????   What are their actions?  Are there any secondary but important influences which interact with your chosen figure/movement/event?

    2.    Purpose:      What world is being addressed??.. toward what end?  What is being affirmed and what is being denied or challenged?  How does the author, character, or movement want to influence the world within and/or beyond the church, society, plantation/earth/etc.?
    3.    Authorities:    What moral authorities are appealed to by the authors(s)? Central figure?  Are some from past Christian or other traditions?  What do the author, the central figure, and perhaps ‘you’ have in common?  Quote particular scriptures from the King James Bible in relationship to your chosen subject. (You may cross reference any verses with a modern translation of the Bible, but must clearly state the verse and chapters.) What is the form and power or influence of the church on the central figure, movement, and author? USE the Bible!!!! It may not be important to you but it was ‘central’ to most slaves and many Free Blacks of the 19th and 20th Century.
    4.    Content:    What are the salient theological/moral/political questions and themes of this subject/character/event?  How does it relate to a Christian (moral life) perspective, (any others?) a political perspective.  What is your personal opinion of the situation?  How would you apply the words:  needs, virtue, value, obligation, vision, commitment, cost, etc. to this situation?
    5.    Assessment.    
            A)    What strong arguments were made, or might have been made, for and against the ethics of the movement as reflected in the texts in their own time and on its own terms?  
            B)        What do you make of these circumstances/situations in relation to our times?  What are your evaluations, not on their terms only, but ours, with today’s needs and values in mind?  Is this assessment realistic?  Can you make a difference today?   Do you want to?  What is morally desirable and undesirable in this person/situation/event from the present point of view?

*******Papers for the class may be selected from the following:
Frederick Douglass    Wendall Whalum              John Brown
Harriet Tubman        Edward Boatner        Harriet Beecher Stowe
Sojourner Truth        H. T. Burleigh        Florence Quivar        
W. E. B. DuBois        Hale Smith            Fisk Jubilee Singers
Booker T. Washington    Martina Arroyo        Faye Robinson
Phyllis Wheatley        Will Marion Cook        Noel Da Costa
Leontyne Price        R. Nathaniel Dett        Henry Ward Beecher
Marian Anderson        Duke Ellington        Harlem Spiritual  Ensemble
Paul Robeson        Scott Joplin            Langston Hughes
Roland Hayes        William Christopher Handy    James Baldwin
Bettye Allen            Ella Bell Lee        Countee Cullen
Dorothy Manor        Rev. Thomas Dorsey    Claude McKay
Denmark Vesey        William Warfield        Schomberg Library
Hall Johnson        Richard Allen        William Henry Smith
William L. Dawson    Abraham Lincoln        Kathleen Battle
Jester Hairston        Paul Laurence Dunbar    John Jacob Niles
Margaret Bonds        J. Rosamond Johnson    George Washington Carver
Florence Price        James Weldon Johnson    Grace Bumbry
Undine Smith Moore    John W. Work        Mary McCloud Bethume
Nat Turner            Benjamin Matthews    Shirley Verrett
Betty Jackson King    Ulysses Kay            Isaac Watts    
William Grant Still    George Gershwin        Jessye Norman
John Wesley Work, III    Wings Over Jordan (Singing group)

******Week of January 4-10, 2010*******        
    Monday, Jan. 4 & Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010        Organization and Introduction
                    Opening Lecture/Discussion
                    Prepare 3-page auto-biography
Monday, Jan. 4, ‘09        Discussion and Review of 3 Essays in
                    Songs of Zion

                    Solo demonstration:
                    1.    A Spiritual
                    2.    A Hymn
                    3.    A Gospel Song
                    Discussion of Examples
                    Discussion of Solo tradition—
                    Discussion of the Choral tradition–
    Tuesday, Jan 5,’10      Guest pianist will visit our class    :
 Ms Anne Ryan
                        Class Singing: (subject to change!!)
                    1.   Go, Tell It On The Mountain p. 75
                    2.   We Shall Overcome       p. 127    
                    3.    Kum Ba Yah, My Lord    p.  139
                    4.    Amen     p. 147
                    5.     Great Day   p.142
Discussion of Spirituals sung            
                Class Listening:     Leontyne Price, Soprano
                (Assorted Spirituals) followed by discussion.
        *Questions to be considered–
        1. How do you feel when you sing?
        2. How do you feel when you sing Spirituals?
        3. Can anything happen internally? Subconsciously?  Intentionally?
        4. Were slaves open to healing of their conditions?
        5. Are you open to healing?
        6. Is it relevant to you as an individual?  To us as a nation?
        7 Specifically, should non-Blacks sing Spirituals?
        8 Should Scotch-Irish and Germans sing Italian songs? Etc.
    Wednesday, Jan 6, ‘10        Class Discussion:
                    Wade In The Water–Arthur C. Jones
            Questions to keep in mind:
            1.  Were Spirituals ‘Message’ songs?
            2.  Are there ‘double entendre’ in spirituals?
            3.  How about:     a.)  Wade In The Water
                        b.)  Meeting Tonight
                        c.)  Follow The Drinking Gourd
                        d.)  Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
                        e.)  Ah Gotta Robe
                        f.)   Steal Away

*All members of the class are encouraged to attend the Jazz Class taught by Mr. Dick Forman from 7:00am to?  in CFA for additional insights and information.
        Class Visitor: Ms Anne Ryan

                Thursday, January 7, 2010            
            **********MLK Choir Rehearsal— Mead Chapel
                    5:00pm–Other Times To Be Set!!!!!!

        The Music of Black Americans by Southern, Eileen
            Chapter 1-3:  –pps.  3-96.
            Class Discussion
            Question to be kept in mind:
        a.)    The difference between Black slavery and white slavery?
        b.)    From what areas in Africa did the slaves come?
        c.)    Who were the primary slave traders?
        d.)    Who taught religion/theology to the slaves?
        e.)    How did the Black church start?
        f.)    What is Ethiopian music?
        g.)    What happened at the camp meetings?
        h.)    What is vaudeville?            
        i.)    Who is Richard Allen?
        j.)    What was the role of dance in the ‘Black community’?
k.)    What was the role of the drum in the plantation community?
        l.)    Were slaves ‘true’ Christians?
        m.)    What is ‘indentured slavery’?    Manumission?
        n.)    Who was most likely to be an ‘indentured slave?’
            *George Matthew, pianist
*****************************************************************
SECOND WEEK
Monday, Jan. 11-17, 2010  
January11-14, 2010
Monday, Jan. 12 ’09 Discussion Of Life Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Modern American Civil Rights Movement. Let’s be prepared to discuss his life, his speeches, his philosophy, the folks around him: Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, Rev. Ralph Abernathy, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Lowry, H. Philip Randolph, Medgar Evers, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Bayard Rustin, Andrew Young, etc.                 
                
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
                Presentation of Biographies
                    Class Discussion
                    The Underground Railroad,
                    Blockson, Charles
            Questions to keep in mind:
        1.    Who were the conductors on the Underground Railroad?
        2.    Where was the Underground Railroad?
        3.    Who were the ‘Paddyrollers”?   the Bounty hunters?
        4.    Who were the Abolitionists?
        5.    How did the Abolitionists raise money?
        6.    What was Fugitive Slave Law?
        7.    What was the Dred Scott Decision?
        8.    How did slaves travel to freedom?
        9.    When was the Underground Railroad abolished?  And in which states did it operate?
10.    What was the 13th Amendment to the Constitution?
        11.    What was the Emancipation Proclamation?
            Jazz Presentation:    Dick Forman
            

                 **********MLK Choir Rehearsal— Mead Chapel
                                                             5:00pm
      
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 continue presentation of Biographies
                    Continue Discussion of Underground
                    Railroad

 Thursday,  January 14, 2010

 
    Questions to keep in mind for our ongoing dialogue:
        1.    Why did God allow slavery to happen?
2.    Was God ever active in Creation:?  For you/For slaves?                
3.    Is God active today in creation? Is there a God?
        4.    Was the ‘extended’ family important to slaves?
        5.    Are Black people and white people related physically?
            ….Spiritually?…Morally?…Emotionally?……
        6.    Does religion mean the same thing to Black people as to
            White people?   Vice-versa?
        7.    What happens when the roots of a people are eroded?
        8.    Why didn’t baptism insure the freedom of a slave?
9.    What are some obvious similarities between the African-American   ‘Invisible Institution’ and early Judeo-Christian worship?     What are some differences?    
Relate this to the following spirituals: Joshua Fit Duh Battle of   Jericho Didn’t My Lawd Deliver Daniel, Wade In Duh Water;    Lit’l David Play On Your Harp, Elijah Rock, Go Down Moses, Ezekiel Saw Duh Wheel,
10.    How did the slaves view Jesus’ servile role in the Christian faith?  Egypt land?   Canaan?            
11.    What was the role of the Black preacher in the ‘Invisible’
            Black church?
        12.    How did the institutionalized ‘white’ church feel about
            American Negro Spirituals?
                
    Listening:    Wings Over Jordan
            Harlem Spiritual Ensemble
            Roland Hayes
            Paul Robeson
            Marian Anderson

************************Third Week**************************

                    January 18-21, 2010
            Monday, January 18, 2010  
       No formal class as you all will be preparing for the concert that night.
                                           Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!
            
            Tuesday, January 19, 2010
            Part I  cont.    Music of Black Americans
                    Southern, Eileen
                    Chapt. 4-8    pp.  150-306
            Questions to keep in mind:
            a.)    What are some of the differences between Spirituals and Jazz?
            b.)    What are some of the differences between Spirituals and gospel?    
            c.)    Where do most of our records come from concerning practices and customs among slaves from 1650-1865?
            d.)    What role did the Underground Railroad play in  the lives of slaves?  Who were its Captains?
            e.)    Who was Denmark Vesey?   What do we know about the life of John Brown?
            f.)    Why was Canada so important to slaves and abolitionists?
g.)     Let’s discuss Black Cowboys and Black Cowgirls!!!!!!!!!
    Class Visitor: Dick Forman

        Wednesday, January 20, 2010
 
Additional songs for our ‘mini-concert’.
            1.)    Roll, Jordan Roll    p 117   Songs of Zion
            2.)    Balm In Gilead           p    123        “
            3.)    Every Time I Feel De Spirit   p 121   “
            4.)    Wade In the Water   p 129        “
            5.)    Study War No More    p   138      “
            6.)    Amen     p   147        “
                Class Visitor: Lecture on Scott Joplin by     
                Mr. Ann Ryan
             
      Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010        NO CLASS!!!!!!!!!!!
        Proposed Trip To Manhattan/Harlem, Museum, & Sylvia’s Restaurant

Attendance Required!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

************************FOURTH WEEK******************
        Monday, January 25—Jan 28, 2010.
    Open discussion—Rehearsals for Final!!!!!
        Tuesday, January 26, 2010
            Review of course
        Wednesday, January 27, 2010
            Discussion and Final Exam.  
                    FINAL DAY!  FINAL EXAM!
You may take the exam wherever you please, and may use your classroom resources to answer all questions.
Please, Do All Work On Computer.  Do Not ‘Handwrite’ any examinations or assignments for this class!  Number All Pages—starting with page 2.  Include a final ‘empty’ page for comments and grade.
List your name and phone number, box number, class, year, professor, and email on the cover sheet.  List the title of any and ALL papers in BOLD letters on the title page!!!!!!!!!! Be sure to include the honor pledge!!!!!!
            Attendance is required for ALL classes.

You May Turn In Your Final Exam During Class Time At 282 Chipman Park, Tel- 802 989 9898.  If you need an extension you must call and request the specific amount of time you need.  Do not forget to sign the Honor Pledge!!!!!!

Please join us in making joyful sounds as Middlebury College’s MLK Spiritual Choir celebrates MLK day on January 18, 2010 at 8:00pm in Mead Chapel.  Your enthusiasm and commitment are all that’s required–no try-outs or auditions, no prior experience required, just the desire to sing.  
 For those who love to plan ahead, here are some dates to mark on your January 2009 calendar!
 
 Rehearsals will be held in Mead Chapel from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. on the following dates:
  Thursday, 7th January.
  Tuesday, 12 January.
  Thursday, 14 January.
            Dress Rehearsal: Sunday, January 17
            Concerts: Monday, January 18 – 5.00 pm
  Evening Concert Preparations:
  Warm-up 7:00pm,
             Concert 8 pm

    Plan to wear something colorful!!!!!

    For more information, contact:
   DivaMan@Middlebury.edu; or  Clemmons@Middlebury.edu;  or ext. 2430

    You are encouraged to share this invitation

     with friends ~ all are WELCOME!

     We will sing:

    Ah Woke Up This Morning With Mah Mind Stayed On Freedom

    Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Roun’

    The Storm Is Passing Over

    We Shall Over Come

    Ah Wanna Be Ready To Walk In Jerusalem, Jes’ Like John

    This Little Light Of Mine
And lastly: our webpage is:
http://seguecommunity.middlebury.edu/sites/clemmons

                                            *********Special Announcement **********
     

Our class website is

https://segue.middlebury.edu/view/html/site/musc1066a-w09