3.00 Credits
This is a course dealing with the forms and history of American popular music from its 19th century origins to the present. Subject material includes early song forms, folk music, the Blues, Ragtime, early Jazz, Big Band music, Bebop, Rhythm and Blues, Country and Western, Rock 'n Roll (early phases as well as recent trends), and Musical Theater. Recorded musical examples will be used. Students will be expected to attend at least one performance outside of class and to present a report on an assigned topic in class.