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Music Courses

Music

MUS 120 - Pop Music of the Rock Era (3 credits)

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. (Formerly Titled: Rock and Roll: History and Analysis)

MUS 130 - Survey of Jazz Styles (3 credits)

In this course, students will gain an understanding of how jazz works. Students will learn the distinctions (and similarities) between various sub-categories and chronological periods in jazz. They will also learn the roles of various jazz instruments and how these roles have evolved. Important topics like jazz improvisation, the rhythm section and jazz composition will be explored. Through reading and listening to jazz recordings, students will become familiar with many of the great artists of jazz, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. (3 credits)

MUS 135 - Music of the Beatles (3 credits)

This course will focus on the groundbreaking rock band known as the Beatles. Though there will be some discussion of historical and sociological context, the main focus will be on their music. Students will learn about the chronology of the Beatles' recorded works, the distinctions (and similarities) among the works and chronological periods in the group's life, the roles of the primary and secondary instruments used in their music, and how the individuals in the band approached these instruments. Through reading and listening to recordings, students will become familiar with the full scope of their work, while also examining their influences, their contemporaries, and the subsequent solo work of the band's members.

Music

MUS 120 - Pop Music of the Rock Era (3 credits)

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. (Formerly Titled: Rock and Roll: History and Analysis)

MUS 130 - Survey of Jazz Styles (3 credits)

In this course, students will gain an understanding of how jazz works. Students will learn the distinctions (and similarities) between various sub-categories and chronological periods in jazz. They will also learn the roles of various jazz instruments and how these roles have evolved. Important topics like jazz improvisation, the rhythm section and jazz composition will be explored. Through reading and listening to jazz recordings, students will become familiar with many of the great artists of jazz, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. (3 credits)

MUS 135 - Music of the Beatles (3 credits)

This course will focus on the groundbreaking rock band known as the Beatles. Though there will be some discussion of historical and sociological context, the main focus will be on their music. Students will learn about the chronology of the Beatles' recorded works, the distinctions (and similarities) among the works and chronological periods in the group's life, the roles of the primary and secondary instruments used in their music, and how the individuals in the band approached these instruments. Through reading and listening to recordings, students will become familiar with the full scope of their work, while also examining their influences, their contemporaries, and the subsequent solo work of the band's members.