HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL

COURSE TITLE:​ History of Rock and Roll

COURSE NUMBER / SECTION / SEMESTER:​ MUSH 399 / 001 / Fall 2021
DAY / TIME / LOCATION:​ 8:00 a.m - 8:50 a.m / MWF / Baird 214
INSTRUCTOR:​ Dr. Tristan Frazier
OFFICE:​ Baird 110
PHONE:​ 859.697.8222
E-MAIL:​ tmfrazier@moreheadstate.edu
OFFICE HOURS:​ T TH 2:00 p.m - 3:00 p.m

COURSE DESCRIPTION
The cultural, social, and stylistic history of rock and roll music. The class begins with important
prerequisites to the creation of rock and roll such as folk, jazz, and blues. In addition to
addressing styles categorized under the generalized label of roc, the course will cover genres
and styles that were influenced by rock and roll, such as soul, funk, salsa, disco, and hip-hop.
Attention will also be given to global varieties of rock and roll.

REQUIRED MATERIALS
● Laptop for streaming music
● Headphones
● “Whats That Sound” John Covach and Andrew Flory ISBN13: 978-0393937251
● “Rock Music Styles: History” Katherine Charlton ISBN13: 978-0078025181

COURSE OBJECTIVES
● Relate rock and roll music to its social and cultural context
● Aurally identify elements of rock style
● Defend opinions on certain key pieces in rock and roll history
● Understand the basic aspects of the relationship between culture and music

INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS
I expect each student to attend class regularly, and with an open mind about the music we will
be listening to. While some students may be fans of the rock genre, some students may prefer
other styles, which is totally acceptable. All I ask is that you come with the intent to learn about
this specific style, and be patient as I guarantee we will cover the rock influences on each of
your favorite genres. Finally, please come prepared and be ready to use your ears to note
specific rhythms, harmonies and instruments related to the style.

GRADING PROCEDURE / ASSIGNMENTS / EXAMS / FINAL EXAM

As homework, you will read about the history of rock music, listen to assigned music
(distributed via Blackboard), and follow along in lecture. In combination with our
class lecture, this study will help you to place rock and roll music in its social and cultural
context; learn theoretical concepts that scholars use to understand music, culture, and society;
and recognize how rock style has developed through history.

You will attend a performance of popular music and apply your new listening skills and
vocabulary in a critical review of this performance. You will also present a brief critical
response to an assigned piece of music to our class as a final exam. There will be no regular
exams or quizzes, therefore, attendance and participation are key to passing this class.

Attendance: 50 Points
Homework: 15 Points
Performance review: 15 Points
Final Exam: 20 points

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance is a vital part of this course, and makes up 50% of the total grade. Each class
meeting is worth 1 point, and with the course only accounting for 100 points total, that means
that each student is allowed three absences before the attendance grade will begin to drop
after each unexcused absence. There will be exceptions in extreme circumstances such as
illness, death etc,. although, students are required to email me in advance. Homework
however, will be due on the assigned date with very few exceptions so unless you have a
fantastic excuse, turn it in on time. As far as the performance review, you will be able to plan
when you would like to attend a performance, therefore, there are no exceptions to missing
the due date at the end of the semester similar to the final.

CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT
Illegal: firearms or any other weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs, and drug related items
Food, drinks other than water, tobacco products, and spit-cups are not permitted. Mobile
devices must be placed on “silent” and stowed. Behavior that disrupt the learning environment
is strictly forbidden.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
The University policy regarding academic dishonesty is stated in the Undergraduate Catalog. It
allows faculty members to impose a sanction on students determined to be guilty of plagiarism
(taking the ideas or written words of another without appropriate citation). The sanction may
include failure of a particular assignment or exam, failure of a particular class, or any other
appropriate disciplinary action. Charges of plagiarism must be reported to the appropriate
department chair and college dean, and to the MSU Dean of Students. Further policy
information is available at:

http://www2.moreheadstate.edu/files/units/dsl/eaglehandbook/eaglehandbook-web.pdf
ADA STATEMENT
Students with disabilities are entitled to academic accommodations and services to support
their access and safety. The Office for Disability Services in 109-J Enrollment Services Center
coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Although a
request may be made at any time, services are best applied when they are requested at or
before the start of the semester. Please contact Disability Services at 606-783-5188 or
e.day@moreheadstate.edu​ or visit their website at ​www.moreheadstate.edu/disability​.

CAMPUS SAFETY
Emergency response information will be discussed in class. Students should familiarize
themselves with the nearest exit routes in the event evacuation becomes necessary. You should
notify your instructor at the beginning of the semester if you have special needs or will require
assistance during an emergency evacuation. Students should familiarize themselves with
emergency response protocols at: ​www.moreheadstate.edu/emergency​.

COURSE SEMESTER OUTLINE:

Day ​Material
08/02/21 Introductions: Syllabus and class expectations
08/04/21 Introductions: First listenings
08/06/21 Introductions: Personal favorites, student introductions (​Blackboard 1pt​)
08/09/21 Elements of Folk
08/11/21 History of Folk
08/13/21 Listening Day: Early Folk (​Homework: Listening examples 1pt​)
08/16/21 Elements of Folk (Cont)
08/18/21 History of Folk (Cont)
08/20/21 Listening Day: Folk Revival (​Homework: Listening Examples 1pt​)
08/23/21 Elements of Modern Folk
08/25/21 Modern Folk Explored
08/27/21 Listening Day: Modern Folk (​Homework: Listening Examples 1pt​)
08/30/21 Elements of early jazz
09/01/21 Formation of Jazz
09/03/21 Listening Day: Early Jazz (​Homework: Listening Example 1pt​)
09/06/21 Elements of early jazz (cont)
09/08/21 Expansion of Jazz
09/10/21 Listening Day: Bebop (​Homework: Listening Example 1pt​)
09/13/21 Jazz further expands
09/15/21 Cultural Reactions to Jazz
09/17/21 Listening Day: Miles Davis (​Homework: Listening Examples 1pt​)
09/20/21 Pushing the boundaries
09/22/21 Jazz Influences
09/24/21 Listening Day: Modern Jazz (​Homework: Listening Example 1 pt​)
09/27/21 Performance Review Proposal Due
09/29/21 Future of Jazz
10/01/21 Listening Day: Progressive Jazz (​Homework: Listening Example 1pt​)
10/04/21 Early elements of the Blues
10/06/21 Cultural context of the Blues
10/08/21 Listening Day: Early Blues (No Listening Example)
10/11/21 Robert Johnson and the Blues
10/13/21 Expansion of the Blues
10/15/21 Listening Day: Early blues recordings (​Homework: Listening Example 1pt​)
10/18/21 Blues and Rock and Roll
10/20/21 Blues influences
10/22/21 Listening Day: Early Rock and Roll (​Homework: Listening Example 1pt​)
10/25/21 The Kings and Queens of the Blues
10/27/21 Cultural Reactions
10/29/21 Listening Day: Blues Legends (​Homework: Listening Example 1pt​)
11/01/21 Rock and Roll is born
11/03/21 Cultural Reactions to early Rock
11/05/21 Listening Day: Early Rock and Roll (​Homework: Listening Example 1pt​)
11/08/21 Rock expands
11/10/21 The 60's
11/12/21 Listening Day: Psychedelic sound (​Homework: Listening Example 1pt​)
11/15/21 Hard Rock and the arena sound
11/17/21 THe 70's
11/19/21 Listening Day: The 2nd generation (​Homework: Listening Example 1 pt​)
11/22/21 The 80's and glam rock
11/24/21 The 90's and grunge and Alt Rock
11/26/21 Listening Day: Third and Fourth gen. (​Homework: Listening Example 1pt​)
11/29/21 Rock influences in blues, folk and Jazz
12/01/21 The culture of rock music / ​Performance Reviews due ​(​15 Pt​)
12/03/21 Final Due: Assigned Pieces must be submitted at Class meeting​ (​20 pt​)

**​Do not forget!! Each Day is One Point of Attendance Credit**