Course Description
This course will focus on the history and analysis of rock, R&B, and other popular styles that influenced and interacted with them. Topics include the distinctions (and similarities) between various sub-categories and chronological periods, roles of the primary instruments used and how these roles have evolved, vocal styles, song form, and the racial, cultural, and economic dynamics influencing the music. Through reading and listening to many recordings, students will become familiar with many of the important figures in rock and R&B music, including Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, and many others. (3 credits)
Prerequisite
- None
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to discuss:
- Identify the roles (and the evolution of the roles) of instruments in rock, R&B, and other related musical genres (including the ability to aurally identify each instrument and, where applicable, the way these instruments interact with one another).
- Explain the basic structures and principles that factor into the creation and evolution of rock, R&B, and other related musical genres.
- Discuss the primary characteristics of sub-styles of rock, R&B, and other related musical genres.
- Explain the historical/musical significance and primary contributions of important musicians in rock, R&B, and other related musical genres.
- Identify the general significance and style of significant artists and groups in rock, R&B, and other related musical genres.
- Analyze the elements of roles, structures, principles, and characteristics when writing about musical recordings.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-8) | 45% |
Critical Essay on a Musician or Band (Week 4) | 15% |
Performance Review (Week 6) | 15% |
Final Project (Week 7) | 25% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
- Garofolo, Reebee. Revel for Rockin' Out: Popular Music in the U.S.A, Updated Edition - with Access Card. 6th ed. Pearson Education, 2017.
Additional Required Materials
(not available through bookstore)
- Playlist of songs available on Spotify
Additional Resources
- Access to Spotify (see Additional Information below)
- Admission to one concert - cost depends on concert chosen (could be a free bar/club show, a large concert or anything in between).
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1-6 | Topic: How Rock Music Works
Topic: The Pre-History of Rock
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2 | 1-6 | Topic: The Development of R&B
Topic: Early Rock Part 1
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3 | 1-6 | Topic: Early Rock Part 2
Topics: Backlash and Retreat
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4 | 1-6 | Topic: The 1960s Part 1
Topic: The 1960s Part 2
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5 | 1-6 | Topic: Miscellaneous Styles of the 1970s
Topics: Punk, New Wave and Disco
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6 | 1-6 | Topic: Rock Developments of the 1980s
Topic: Rap and Metal
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7 | 1-6 | Topic: Rock Developments of the 1990s
Topic: The 21st Century
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8 | 1-5 | Topic: Final Projects
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Additional Information
The listening examples required for class assignments are available through playlists on Spotify. Spotify Premium offers ad-free listening and the ability to download tracks for offline use. Spotify also offers discounted Premium plans for students.
The free version of Spotify is sufficient for this course, though users should expect advertisements and some playback limitations, particularly on mobile devices. Depending on the device and account type, certain playback features may be restricted compared to Premium accounts.
Course playlists may be accessed either through the Spotify app or through a web browser:
Popular Music of the Rock Era Playlist (Source: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/50RGzaFfzVXDz9jGfb7rwk)
NOTE: A small number of assigned songs may not be available through the course Spotify playlists and may need to be accessed through other sources or streaming platforms. Additional information will be provided in an announcement during the first week of class.
COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.