MUSY 106 - History of Rock: Race, Class, Gender, Place

FC CNDP CD

4 credits
The history of rock and roll is one complicated by the places where it was born - multiple sites across the United States that grapple with race, class, gender, and ethnicity. In the course, students will uncover the layers of musical, political, social, and cultural shifts that continue to (re)shape rock and roll and its branches. Students will identify musical qualities, sonic innovations, and technological inventions forged by artistic and cultural forces. Beginning with commercial recording in the early 20th century and continuing through today, we will investigate popular music as it has grown from its largely African- American roots to a diffuse (and often contentious) art form with global reach.

This course is appropriate for new students.