No preqs. This course will explore the distinctive popular music known as "World Beat," including pop music from Africa, Cuba and other parts of the Caribbean, Latin America, and in particular Brazil, Argentina, India, Spain, Portugal, and North America, as well as world beat fusion, film music, and more traditional genres such as Spanish flamenco. Social and cultural influences, and the effects of politics, tourism, modernization, and recording will also guide our investigation. This course is intended for the general university student and neither assumes nor requires previous training in music. 3 cr.