MUSC 171/3.0 Social History of Popular Music

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.

This course is designed to engage students to learn about the developments of popular music. Initially focusing from the 1950s to current trends, there will also be an insight on earlier eras in which other forms of popular music was heard. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course as successful student will:

• Understand the musical stylistic features of significant styles and genres (such as Blues, Rock, Pop, Soul, Reggae, Dance, Hip Hop, Electronica) by referring to artists, musicians, performance, recording industry and technology.
• Develop their musical knowledge by understanding the events, issues or intertextual aspects that contributed to popular music.
• Gain an insight to popular culture, social, cultural and critical theory—otherwise known as popular musicology.
• Learn the appropriate analytical and musical vocabulary to question the authenticity, identity and performativity of a performer.
• Be able to participate in the topics discussed, and share their personal taste in music by offering a critical judgement or evaluation via debates, presentations and written work.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Some examples of previous ELOs for this course include, a Rock & Roll walking tour of Soho, a guest lecture by Dr Mike Dines, co-founder of the Punk Scholars Network and trips to attend gigs including: The Feeling, Krs-One, Maxi Priest, Aswad, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, George Clinton and The Family Stone.