Women and Folk Music: Representation in British and North American Traditions

To truly understand the history of traditional music, we must look beyond the melodies to the social forces and voices that shaped them. This text-based course offers an illuminating exploration of gender, identity, and representation within the folk music histories of the British Isles and North America. You will examine how the gendered division of labor and cultural expectations influenced who sang, what instruments they played, and where they performed. By studying foundational concepts in musicology and gender studies, you will learn to critically analyze the stories told about and by women in traditional music. Through engaging written analyses and guided readings, you will discover the profound impact of female musicians, collectors, and storytellers on cultural heritage. What you'll learn: - Analyze how gender roles historically influenced musical instrumentation, performance spaces, and repertoires - Examine traditional song texts to identify themes of female identity, subjectivity, and daily life - Understand the critical role of women in preserving, transmitting, and archiving folk music - Explore modern intersectional frameworks to see how gender, class, and race interact in traditional music cultures - Investigate the historiography of folk music and how early collectors represented or sidelined female artists The course begins with key terminology and foundational concepts in gender studies and music history before moving into regional case studies, lyrical examinations, and historical accounts. This course is designed for beginners with an interest in music history, folklore, or cultural studies, and no prior musical training or reading of sheet music is required. Start reading today to uncover the powerful histories and voices of women in folk music.