WGS 276 - A History of Popular Music in the U.S.A.

This course will provide an overall history of popular music in America since the end of the 19th century, with emphasis upon mainstream popular music since 1954. Its focus will be the simultaneous independence and interdependence of black and white musical cultures in America, and how this can help us understand our nation’s history in new and different ways. Students will develop listening skills as they learn about the ways popular music styles and genres have mirrored our nation’s social and cultural history. Topics will include blackface minstrelsy, the blues, jazz, country music, classic Broadway song, rhythm & blues, rock’n’roll, folk music, blues-rock, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, metal, soul, funk, hip-hop, punk, indie-rock, disco, and electronic dance music.

Credits 4

Notes
Cross listed with MUSC 275 A History of Popular Music in the U.S.A.

Area
Creative Arts

Division
Arts and Humanities

Compass Attributes
Creative Arts, Structure/Power/Inequality, Taylor and Lane Scholars