Spring 2019 Course Syllabi

MUSC 207: History of Pop/Rock Music 3 Grading Guidelines A is an exceptional grade reserved for work of exceptional quality. This assignment has all the qualities of B work, and in addition are well written, edited closely, display analytical skills and/or originality. The last two criteria are extremely important. B denotes work that is above average in quality. It demonstrates that the student knows and understands the material covered in class and being analyzed, and that student is capable of synthesizing it into a competent assignment. It is accurate, detailed, and well organized, with an introduction, an argument, and a conclusion. Usually, either writing problems or a lack of analysis is what prevents a B from being an A. C is given for work that is average. Student shows familiarity with the material, answers the central questions posed, and is mostly accurate, but lacks the sophistication of either the B or A student. The C assignment might make general points but fail to support them with specific evidence or details, or it might have problems with organization or writing style. Student’s work is merely a collection of facts, with no coherent theme or thesis. D is given for work that is inadequate. Student omits important points, provides more than a few inaccuracies, and poorly organizes work. Student does not answer the central questions posed in the assignment. It suggests one of three things: 1) the student missed several classes, 2) the student misunderstood the course material, and/or 3) the student has difficulties expressing ideas in writing and/or during discussions. If you have been trying hard and receive a D grade for an assignment, please discuss work with the professor. Tentative Course Outline:  See Class Schedule on Blackboard for all required materials, lectures, & assignments.  All primary sources (songs) are assigned to groups or individuals for each class period. Introduction to the Course Week 1: Course Overview & Doing Music History  Tuesday, January 8: Course Overview  Required Texts : Syllabus & Class Schedule  ICE : Making the Rules  Tuesday, January10: Doing Music History  Textbook : Covach & Flory, 2-33.  ICE : Plotting Your Course Section 1: Popular Music in the Early 20 th Century, 1900s-1950s Week 2: America’s Music  Tuesday, January 15: Blues  Analytical Essay : Initial Prospectus Due  Textbook : Covach & Flory, 47-50, 60-64, & 66-73.  Thursday, January 17: Folk Music  ICE : Creating a PSA for groups’ folk & blues song Week 3: America’s Popular Music  Tuesday, January 22: Jazz  Textbook : Covach & Flory, 40-45 & 50-56.  Thursday, January 24: Country/Western  Textbook : Covach & Flory, 45-47, 56-60, & 64-66.  PSA : Last day to submit a PSA for Section 1  ICE : Essay on popular music in the early 20 th century Section 2: The Birth of Rock-n-Roll, 1950s and 1960s Week 4: The Baby Boom & Youth Culture  Tuesday, January 29: Postwar America: The Baby Boom & Popular Music  Analytical Essay : Revised Prospectus for Section 1  Textbook : Covach & Flory, 79-86.