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History of American Popular Music

Required/Elective: Elective
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Proficiency Required: None
High School Course Number: 2017
High School Credits: 2 Credits

GPA: Yes
Session: 1st Semester, 2nd Semester
Prerequisites: None
Dual Credit: N/A
College Credits: N/A

Course Description

This core course explores the evolution of popular music styles from the 19th century to the present and how they interact with broader themes in American history. Musical forms covered will include ragtime, blues, Broadway, musicals, early jazz, swing, Appalachian folk music, country, bluegrass, rhythm & blues, doo-wop, and all styles of rock and roll from the 1950s to metal, punk, alternative, and hip-hop. Students will be introduced to these through reading, in-class demonstrations, videos, and extensive listening.

A total of two credits are required from one of the Fine Arts areas. Fine Arts areas include Music, Visual Arts, Dramatic Arts, or Additional Fine Arts Courses. History of American Popular Music is a Music Course.