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

 

Midterm (take home):

 

Write on any three of the following questions. Essay answers should be typed, double-spaced, and proofread. For every answer you should include style descriptions, dates, artists, titles, and other specific information. At the same time, you will be judged on your ability to synthesize the relevant historical currents. You may submit your exam by email.

 

1) Trace popular music through the 19th century, from the Òminstrel showÓ to Òragtime.Ó

2) Discuss the historical momentum of the early 20th century that led to the popularity of dance music, dixieland, and jazz.

3) Discuss Tin Pan Alley, and its ÒGolden AgeÓ in the 1930s.

4) Trace the early evolution of ÒraceÓ and ÒhillbillyÓ music and discuss their differences and similarities.

5) Describe the different musical aspects of the Swing Era, and include discussion of music industry issues of that time which shaped the evolution of popular music.

6) Discuss the different strands of popular music that were influential in the post-WW II era leading to the onset of Òrock ÔnÕ roll.Ó

7) Discuss the early years of Òrock ÔnÕ roll.Ó

8) Outline the main currents of American pop music in the early 1960s.

9) Discuss the musical and social elements which led to the ÒBritish InvasionÓ in the mid-1960s.

10) Discuss the different strands of popular music in the 1960s which led to the confluence of artists performing at Woodstock in 1969.