MUS1040

American music and popular culture

C J De Wilde

6 points - 3 hours per week - First semester - Clayton

Objectives By the end of the semester, students undertaking this subject should have a basic knowledge of primary musical terminology and its function in describing popular music development; a general knowledge of the major styles and stylistic trends in popular music, with an emphasis on the specific musical characteristics which define each tradition; a framework to identify, categorise and assess popular music styles and selected works from folk, blues, country, jazz, and rock music traditions; and an understanding of how to write about music through critical observation and analysis.

Synopsis The musical, sociopolitical and commercial aspects of popular music and its development in the United States including British-American folk music, African-American folk music, blues, jazz, country, and rock music. An attempt is made to discover how these styles have influenced each other and relate to the surrounding culture. The ways in which the 'business' of music affects musical style is a central issue in analysing cultural trends: from the 'beats' of the 50s and the 'hippies' of the 60s to the 'punks' of the 70s and the 'rappers' of today. Emphasis will be placed on assessing live performances through the attendance at concerts and the writing of concert reviews using the musical terms and concepts discussed in the subject.

Assessment Written (2500 words): 40% - Examinations (2 hours): 40% - Listening tests: 20%

Prescribed texts

Kingman D American music: A panorama 2nd edn, Schirmer, 1990

Back to the 1999 Arts Handbook