MUSIC 104 - Popular Music in America
Class Hours: Th. 7-10pm
Room: BC-51
Instructor: Gary Pritchard
Email: pritchag@uci.edu or
Office Hour Location: Music Building
Office: Music Department
Course Description
Within the last two hundred years, popular music in the United States has undergone many innovations. All of which constitute beginnings, moments attributable to the social processes involved in creating cultural works. This course seeks to explore and bring into focus many of the genres of American popular music from the past as well as mapping some of the more recent trends.
Course Textbook
Grading
100 Points Possible
Homework - 10
Concert Report – 10
Research Presentation - 30
|
A |
90-100 |
|
B |
79-89 |
|
C |
68-78 |
|
D |
57-67 |
|
F |
46-56 |
This exam will include material from the first two weeks of class. The emphasis is on how well you understand the lectures, readings, and musical examples. (15 pts.)
Test II
This exam will test your understanding of material covered in weeks three and four. (15pts.)
Final
You are tested only on material after Test II. Although the final is not cumulative, the introductory information you receive in the first part of the course will help you in the last part. Like your midterm, the emphasis is on how well you understand the lectures, readings, and musical examples. (20 pts.)
Writing Guidelines and Tips (you might take a look at this link before turning in assignments or papers)
Homework
Much of your work in this class involves discussing the reading assignments and carefully listening to the accompanying musical examples. I will assign assignments throughout the course to guide your reading and listening. (10 pts.)
Concert Report (1-2 pages, typed double space)
You must attend one concert pertaining to the course material during the three weeks of this course. (10 pts.)
Research Presentation
Approximately 15 minutes (30 pts.)
Participation/Preparation
Be prepared to contribute to discussions. I realize this is a course in music and not Speech 101, but one of the benchmarks of the college-educated is the ability to verbalize thoughts logically and precisely. As you read, take note of what is difficult to grasp, what needs more examples, what you don’t agree with, as well as any positive comments you might have about the book and the course. These all show your preparation, thoughtful reading, and consideration.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory, see school catalog for official policy. If for any reason you fail to attend either the midterm or final, let me know as soon as possible. If your excuse is credible then I will give a make-up exam. I care about your progress and will try to help as much as possible.
Schedule
Week 1- 3: Revolution 1 (Popular genres in the US, music and culture)
What is music? What is meant by the word popular? What are its implications for music? Why do we have music? What does music do for us?
Continue with basic concepts, key terms
Elements of Music and Culture, video
Week 4-6: Revolution 1 continued (post-war songs, ragtime, blues, Test I)
Discussion: Post-Civil War songs
Video and Discussion: Ragtime and Blues
Review
Week 7-10: Revolution 2 (Syncopated song and dance, Jazz 1929-1960)
Syncopated song and dance
Jazz - New Orleans, video
Jazz - Big Band/swing era
Jazz - Bebop, Post-bop
Test II
Research Presentations 1 and 2 are due
Week 11-13: Revolution 2 (popular singing after 1930, musical theater, country music 1922-55)
Popular singing after the thirties
Concert Reports are due
Video
Country Music
Week 14-16: Revolution 3 (musicals, country, jazz, rock)
New musical context, Musicals and theatrical songs
Country and Jazz
Video and discussion, Punk
Video and Discussion, Heavy Metal
Research Presentations are due Groups 3 and 4
Week 17-18: Revolution 3 (Rock - 80's-present, MTV, review, research papers due)
Video and discussion, Rap
Video and discussion, MTV
Review for final
Final