History of Rock & Roll: Blues and Beyond
Surveys the development of rock and roll through a basic narrative of American culture, politics, and economic history. Examines race, gender, class, technology, and the music business as it relates to the creation of rock music in the United States and globally. Learning activities include critical analysis of audio and video recordings, attendance at live concerts of various rock and roll styles, group discussions, and research projects. Note: Students wishing to use this course to fulfill the SUNY General Education requirement in American history must have earned an 85 or higher on the US History Regents exam. Three class hours.
Subject Code: MUS
Course Number: 203
Credits: 3
Lecture Hours 3
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Identify and describe the variety of music genres that led to the evolution of rock and roll.
2. Relate the origins of rock and roll to the development of rock and roll as a distinct music style.
3. Discuss how rock and roll evolved into various sub-genres, identifying a minimum of 5 distinct styles.
4. Identify various rock and roll artists and describe their distinctive contributions to rock music.
5. Discuss at least 3 rock music styles as they relate to specific political, economic, social or cultural events in American society.
6. Describe the influence of rock and roll music as a communicator of American culture and values on the historical, social, cultural, or political development of at least one other country.
7. Explain the historical, sociological, or personal motivations and influences on composers of rock and roll music.
8. Review or critique a given audio or video version of a rock and roll piece, using appropriate musical vocabulary.
Effective Term: Fall 2025
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