HIST239 American Pop Culture: History of Rock
Department of Social & Behavioral Science: History
- I. Course Number and Title
- HIST239 American Pop Culture: History of Rock
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- IV. Prerequisites
- V. Other Pertinent Information
Lecture, music listening, and discussion
Because "American Pop Culture: History of Rock," is identified as both MUSC107 and HIST239, students should register for the course number that appropriately applies to their current Program of Study (Music, History, etc.) and/or is compatible with degree-specific transferability requirements.
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- This course focuses on American popular culture through the lens of rock-n-roll music, including rock's roots, influences, and impact on popular culture. Students experience the subtleties, power, and excitement of the music.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
Course Learning Goals
- recognize the fundamental elements of rock-n-roll music;
- recognize how rock-n-roll relates to both the social and political context of the times; and
- evaluate how rock-n-roll defined culture.
Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
- Fundamental Elements of Music -- Rhythm, Melody, Harmony, Tone Color, and Form as they exists in Rock and Roll
- Pre 1950s -- The Roots of Rock -- Blues, Swing, Country, and Gospel
- The 1950s -- Teen Idols, R&B, Originals and Covers, Stax, Sun Records
- The 1960s -- The Vietnam War, Folk, Surf, Haight and Ashbury, Motown, British Invasion, Woodstock, and The Isle of Wight
- 1970s -- from the Deaths Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin to the Rise and Fall of Disco, Philly Soul, The Singer Song Writers
- 1980s -- MTV, End of the Cold War, The Death of John Lennon, Live Aid, Mainstream Pop to Alternative Rock
- 1990s to Today -- Seattle, The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, The DJ as Artist, Rap, and Hip Hop
Assessment Methods for Course Learning GoalsStudents meet course learning goals via class participation and discussion, and by performance on quizzes and tests.
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
- Departmentally-selected text book
- Online resources
- Listening examples
- Course syllabus
Review/Approval Date - 5/05; Revision/Approval Date 2/09; New Core 8/2015