MUS 175 - History of Rock Music 3 cr.

In this course the student learns about the history and content of the popular music style called rock. The course will focus on the most important contributors to the music performers, songwriters, producers, managers, etc. and on the styles and trends that have had significant impact commercially and artistically. The course will also consider various issues of social history (changing demographics, political issues, racial attitudes, etc.) of the last 50 years as they relate to rock music’s development. The course will also emphasize in language geared towards the non‐musician musical features of rock: instrumentation, melodic/harmonic/rhythmic details, performance styles, lyrics, visual aspects (personal appearances, album covers, etc.), and production/recording techniques. The course will take a broad and inclusive view of the many sub‐styles that can be considered part of rock music. Through reading, class discussion and listening, and extensive outside‐of‐class listening, the student will encounter most of what has “mattered” in rock music since its origin some 50+ years ago. Fall, Spring