HIST 385/AMST 385
Sounds of the Century:
Understanding 20th Century US History through Popular Music
- Course Description
This course examines 20th century United States history through the lens of popular music, including blues, jazz, rock, R&B, disco, hip-hop and musicals. Thematically speaking, this course explores how our notions of race, gender, sexuality, class, and nation are reflected in and produced by people’s interactions with music. Special attention is given to the relationship between popular music and social change as well as the role of popular music in shaping the United States’ relationship with the rest of the world.