Lecture sessions: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:00-11:50am
With the wealth of material for us to study, we will have many different lecture formats. Each class session will focus on a different topic. On some days we will focus on particular issues that drive and shape popular music. Other sessions we will go over the basic genres that make up American popular music, and discuss the music of particular artist who have been notably influential. The classes will be augmented by musical examples, in-class demonstrations, videos, and guest lectures. You will be tested on ALL of the material presented in class. In order for this format to work successfully, and for you to really enjoy the class, each student must complete EVERY reading and listening assignment before class.
Discussion Sections: Although we will have some discussion during lectures, much of the discussion for you classes will take place during your sections. Material covered in sections WILL appear on the exams. Discussion sections are designed so that you can engage and analyze the material, both aural and written, for this class. There will be a particular emphasis put on writing in your discussion sections as this class fulfills the upper division writing requirement.
It is unadvisable to miss any class. You will be tested on all the material presented in classes. This includes lectures by special guests, films, and especially discussion sections.
Listening to tunes may not seem as productive as reading, writing, or working on a math equation, but it is absolutely necessary for learning about that complex human activity we call music-culture. Entertainment is taken seriously in this class and I want you to enjoy the listening assignments. However, you are expected to develop certain critical listening skills that will be taught in the classroom. You do not need to be a trained musician to do well in this classÑthe only prerequisites are open ears attached to open minds. All the assigned listening will be available to you on the course website. You will be able to listen from any web-accessible computer with a pair of headphones or speakers. Many of the computers in the library and various computer labs are so equipped.
Class Evaluation:
Short paper: 5% Due Fri. Apr 9th
Essay #1: 15% Due Mon. Apr. 19th
Essay #2: 25% Due Mon. May. 24th
Midterm: 20% Friday Apr. 30th
Final: 25% Thursday June 10th, 12pm-3pm (Take Home, due by 3 pm)
Section Participation: 10%