MUSC 171/3.0:  The Social History of Popular Music

This course is available to both Queen’s and non-Queen’s students. Non-Queen’s students (including interest students, visiting students, and new online degree students) must first apply for admission. The following is presented for informational purposes only and is subject to change.

Instructor

Robbie MacKay Learn more about the instructor...
E-mail: Robbie.MacKay@queensu.ca

Course Description

This online music history course is a survey of important trends in 20th century Western popular music. Topics include genres, individual artists and groups, record labels and stylistic trends, and sociological issues.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to

• demonstrate a solid foundation in relevant musicological terms and concepts
• understand and discuss the social and political context in which we experience pop music
• understand and discuss raced and gendered approaches to the study of popular music
• address the question; What does it mean to experience popular music?

Online Format

I will offer weekly on-line "office hours", and twice during the course we will have live classroom time, also on-line. Office hours and real time meetings will accommodate some different time-zone and "life schedule" concerns (i.e. they will all happen in the evening, and students will sign up for sessions earlier or later in the evening). Live classroom sessions will be recorded for students who cannot attend.

Course Topics

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More information:

• Computer Requirements and Internet Access
• Moodle, Our Online Learning Environment 
• Academic Integrity
• Evaluation
• Suggested Time Commitment
• Required Material