American popular music has a fascinating history and a captivating cast of characters. In addition to engaging matters of musical style and artistic expression, students of MUSL 149 will consider the social, cultural, and political contexts of popular music in the United States, from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. No musical background is needed or assumed. The musical elements of popular music will be presented in a user-friendly manner, aimed at the non-specialist. Once the small questions are answered (what's making that sound?), we can start to ask the big ones: What was music's role in the counter cultures of the 1960s? Or in the abolition of slavery? How is the economic recession of the early 1990s related to Seattle grunge and heroin addiction? Why is music central in hip-hop culture and black politics? Is Madonna a feminist? In MUSL 149 students will learn to see popular music as a mirror--one that provides telling reflections of American culture.
"What a wonderful class! The professor is an exceptional communicator, and it is obvious that she is extremely passionate about teaching and music."
--former student, on a course evaluation form
Credit?
Arts and Science--elective
Engineering--humanities
Peabody--humanities