The Popular Arts in America: The History of Rock and Roll-The 1950s

Catalog description

This course examines rock and roll's birth and transformative impact in the 1950s, tracing its roots in blues, gospel, R&B, and country music. Students will explore pioneering artists like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Buddy Holly, alongside the cultural, racial, and technological forces that shaped the genre. Topics include the influence of radio, television, youth culture, and the role of segregation, integration, and independent record labels. Through audio recordings, videos, readings, and historical analyses, students will gain a deeper understanding of rock and roll's revolutionary role in American society and modern popular music.