中国流行音乐文化

In China, popular music is also called “secular music” or “mass music.” It is characterized by its wide acceptance, easy understanding, musical secularity, and commercial operation.The course “Chinese Popular Music in Culture” introduces its historical development, social backgrounds, representative works and musical styles, influence from Western popular music genres, and social values. Based upon its chronological development, the course consisted of five main topics: the early stage of Chinese popular music, shidaiqu (the modern Shanghainese Mandopop), Hong Kong Cantopop, Taiwan Mandopop, and Mainland Mandopop. Through the course study, students not only get familiar with the history of Chinese popular music but also learn about their unique musical styles at different stages, their social influence, and their social meanings.