Course Description
This course examines the history of rock and how a mixture of blues, country, and mainstream pop music gave birth to a diversified style that has become a cornerstone of contemporary popular culture. The objectives of this course involve reading critical reviews and autobiographical accounts of influential artists in rock history, the development of listening skills to identify works and characteristics from multiple rock styles, and writing personal narratives and reflections about cultural themes, films, and live performances of rock. Many musicians will be covered from the people who shaped the origin of rock (e.g., Robert Johnson, Hank Williams, Muddy Waters) to the innovative pioneers who forged new directions in rock (e.g., Elvis, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Phil Spector, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Carole King, Berry Gordy Jr., Bob Marley, The Ramones, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, Metallica, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Nirvana, Beck, Radiohead, Lady Gaga, plus many more). Students will attend two live performances as part of the requirements for this course. Fulfills the Group IV (Arts) requirement. S