MSUM MUS 342: History of Pop/Rock (J. Harley)

Minnesota State University Moorhead

History of Pop/Rock Music

MUS 342, Spring 2003
Center for the Arts 146
TH 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Dr. James Harley
Office: CA 138; tel: 236-2001
Office Hours: TBA
email: harleyja@mnstate.edu

Syllabus:

In this course, we will study the history of pop/rock music from its origins to the present.
We will follow readings and listen to set recordings.
The classes will consist of lectures, discussions, presentations, and listening/viewing materials related to the subjects being covered.
We will will apply our critical tools to:
- the analysis of musical form, texture, production, lyrics, and style;
- the social and historical contexts of the music/musicians being studied;
- our relationships to the materials and personalities of the subject.
Students will have the opportunity to select a research topic to work on and to present in class.
Other work will consist of readings, writings based on those readings, listening, reports based on that listening, and a listening quiz.
schedule (tentative, ongoing)

Texts:

American Popular Music: From Minstrelsly to MTV, Larry Starr & Christopher Waterman (Oxford University Press, 2002)
Fargo Rock City, Chuck Klosterman (Touchstone Books, 2001/2002)

Recordings:

The American Popular Music textbook comes with two CDs.
The Listening Lab has a number of pop/rock CDs and LPs available for in-lab listening.
Listing of MP3 files available for class access.

Evaluation:

In-class participation, enthusiasm	5%
Written Reports (2) - based on assigned readings/questions	20%
Listening Reports (3) - based on assigned listenings	30%
Mid-term exam (essay, take-home)	10%
Class Presentation (on research project)	5%
Research Project	15%
Final exam (in-class listening quiz; essay, take-home)	15%

there will be the possibility of doing additional reports (on local concerts, performances, un-assigned but relevant recordings) for a maximum of 5% extra credit.

Writing standards:

This is an upper-level class for music majors with a writing component. You will be held to standards appropriate to your standing. For any written assignments submitted for this class (apart from in-class work), you will be expected to type your work using double-spacing. You will proofread your work before handing it in. Note that running a spell-check program is not sufficient; you should read through what you have written carefully and make any necessary corrections. For each submission, you will be allowed two errors of spelling, grammar, punctuation, or syntax. After that, you will lose 10% of the assignment's grade for each subsequent error. Hand-written work will not be accepted unless discussed with the instructor in advance.

Attendance:

Active participation in this class is critical to your success. You will have two free absences (excused or not) and two free late arrivals (excused or not). After that, regardless of excuse, you will lose a grade value for each class missed, and half a grade value for each late arrival. In other words, your third absence will drop your grade from an A to an A-, and your third and fourth late arrival will do the same.

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