MUS 320 History of Rock Music

3 Credit(s) CS W-II

A social analysis of American popular music in the 20th century, from its beginnings in Tin Pan Alley, blues and country music up to recent movements in rock, pop, and rap. Students will examine the relationship between popular music and broader themes such as race, gender, sexuality, and social class. Assignments will include reading, listening and video-viewing, concert attendance, and substantial writing and revising assignments. As part of the general education writing curriculum, students will critique and practice the craft of writing in varied modes and genres. More than 50% of the student’s overall grade will be based on these writing assignments. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisite: Completion of W-I writing course.