MUS 520 Popular Music and American Culture
This course examines the varied popular music traditions of the United States as expressions of society and cultural diversity. By tracing the roots of styles such as folk, blues, jazz, country, popular music, and rock, a picture emerges of what American life was like throughout the past century. Class participants listen to musical excerpts and read and analyze song lyrics. Students need not know how to read music, but must be prepared to do listening and lyric assignments for class discussion. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Offered on a rotational basis.