From the beginning of the blues to Buddy Holly, Beyoncé, and beyond, music serves as the backbeat to American culture. This course examines music in the United States from minstrel music through present-day forms such as rock and hip hop and considers the connections among culture, economics, politics, and society.
1. Describe different styles of music and the historical, cultural, and geographic contexts in which they emerged and developed.
2. Analyze music by breaking down components such as sound, harmony, melody, rhythm, and form.
3. Critically discuss popular music and its role in American history and culture (for example, what role does music play in American politics, economics, etc.? Why are some musical genres more successful or privileged than others on a national stage?)
4. Critically write about popular music as a cultural artifact and social force, using analytical observation and criticism as well as reflective commentary.
SCH: 3 Hours
Students will be required to purchase the following textbooks and/or courseware. More details are avaialble in the course syllabus:
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The Texas Tech University Self-Paced Courses Program does not guarantee credit hour transfers, and the student is responsible for determining whether a specific course transfer will be accepted at their current campus.
For more information please visit our Self-Paced Program page or contact us at selfpaced.courses@ttu.edu. If you are ready to get started, please submit an application.
REFUND POLICY: As access to the coursework is available immediately upon enrollment, any requests to drop after enrollment has occurred will be refunded at a reduced rate, reflecting a $150 administrative fee, through the first seven (7) calendar days of coursework access, so long as the course has not been completed within that seven-day period. Refunds are not eligible for any courses that have been completed. Any requests to drop a course on or following the eighth (8th) calendar day of coursework access will not be refunded.
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