Music History: American Popular Music

Catalog description

This course explores the history and cultural context of American popular music. Students will examine major stylistic eras, trace foundational musical traditions that shaped the genre, and analyze the evolution of diverse musical styles and their commercial expressions. Students will evaluate the complex relationship between social change, evolving technologies, and the music industry’s role in shaping popular taste. Through critical analysis and discussion, learners will construct cohesive arguments about the music's historical significance and cultural influence.