MU 015 is a course which intends to be a social history of Rock and Roll. We will explore both musical and social movements that capture a unique time in history. Class focus will include: 1) the importance of African-American culture in the origins and development of rock music; blues, rhythm and blues, motown, soul, disco, and hip-hop. 2) the impact of the postwar era (WWII) and the associated dramatic population growth creating a demand for new music. 3) the impact of race, economics, and class structure on the development of new styles. 4) the impact of media and advances in technology that shaped the sound of rock and roll. As we explore the history of rock and roll we will attempt to answer three questions about each new style and/or artist: 1. What important political, social, economic, and technological forces are impacting American Society? 2. How are these forces reflected in and affected by the music? 3. What musical elements characterize each style of rock music, and what common musical threads connect differing styles.

Class time will be a combination of group discussion, listening, videos, and presentations. Daily readings and subsequent essays will serve as focal points for student participation. Students will be required to write and present several short essays as well as a substantial presentation. *This is a course where reading the assigned text is key to successful participation

Several Essays, Short Answer/Open Note Quizzes, One Class Presentation and Short Answer Final with accompanying essay.