MUS1040

American music and popular culture

(ART)

Craig De Wilde

6 points + 3 hours per week + First semester + Clayton + Malaysia

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. How these styles have influenced each other and relate to the surrounding culture. The ways 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.

Assessment: Subject to approval, assessment will be: Concert Review 1 (750 words): 20% + Concert Review 2 (750 words): 20% + Listening test 1 (1/2 an hour): 10% + Listening test 2 (1/2 an hour): 10% + final examination (2 hours): 40%