Evolution of Popular Music Syllabus
2015-2016
Instructor: Mr. Girtain
Room: 130
Email: girtaine@northernhighlands.org
Phone: x424
Meeting Time: Period 8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Half-year elective course.
Music is everywhere. Enter a concert hall, a restaurant, a house of worship, or even your
own living room, and you will be sure to hear it piping out some electronic speaker or acoustic
instrument. It comes in limitless varieties and accompanies all facets of human life from our most
mundane annoyances (advertisements) to our most valued rituals (funerals). As a cultural
phenomenon it has existed as long as there have been humans. The cavemen from pre-history made
it, and doubtless the people of the future will, too. Thus by learning about music we stand to gain
valuable insight into an inseparable part of the human experience, thereby enriching our
understanding of both ourselves and the world around us.
In this course, The Evolution of Popular Music, we will mainly explore the role music has
played in American society from the 19th century up through the present day. We will develop
critical listening skills. We will develop a vocabulary to describe the music we hear. We will learn
the main streams of popular music, and how they have interacted with each other over the years.
We will learn the origins of popular music. We will learn the themes that have shaped the
development of popular music through the present day.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1) Critical Listening Skills
a. Determine musical form from listening prompt
1. Verse-chorus
2. AABA form
b. Describe different musical textures
1. Rhythm and accompaniment
2. Solos, countermelodies
3. Bass lines
4. Percussion roles
c. Analyze relationships between text and music
1. Describe how large forms and localized musical events paint text
d. Write personal responses to music that use accurate musical descriptions as support
2) Historical Narrative of Popular Music
a. Popular Music of the Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries
b. Blues, Hillbilly Music, and the Swing Era
c. Rhythm & Blues, Rock & Roll, British Invasion
d. Disco and the 80’s
e. 90’s and Today
3) Interpretation: Applying Critical Thinking and Listening Skills to Class Themes
a. Music and Identity
i. Articulate the role music plays in forming the relationships between societies
and individuals
b. Music and Technology
i. Describe how technological innovations have influenced the development of
popular music.
ii. Be able to identify specific kinds of music technology in a piece of music
from a listening prompt. This includes studio recording techniques as well as
instruments, etc.
c. The Music Business
i. Explain the economic model of music business
ii. Articulate the complex relationships between the public, music business, and
creative artists
d. Centers and Peripheries
i. Be able to identify the main geographical centers and peripheries that create
popular music, as well as associate a sound or genre with them.
e. Describe the streams of tradition, aka., the sources of popular music
i. Identify unique characteristics of the European American, African American,
and Latin American Streams of music from audio prompt.
f. Create
i. Use terms from class to describe surface-level characteristics of popular
music
ii. Incorporate knowledge of popular music narrative to create interpretations
that properly contextualize any given popular music example.
4) Engage with Academic Dialogue on Popular Music
a. Read Articles from Journals that articulate current thought on popular music
b. Create unique interpretations of articles and share with peers.
5) Develop Passion for Popular Music
a. Create project that shares interests in popular music with rest of class
PRIMARY TEXT:
American Popular Music, 4th ed. Starr, Waterman, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2011.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
America’s Musical Life, a History. Crawford,
(More to come)
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
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Notebook
Pen
Folder for handouts
Computer with internet access
Listening Capabilities (Headphones, stereo system)
CLASSROOM RULES and PROCEDURES:
1. Arrive to class on time. Be in your seat when the bell rings. Promptly begin working on “do
now” as instructed.
2. Bring your pen, notebook, and due homework to class every day. There will be no partial
credit or late credit for missing homework unless there is a valid excuse (doctor’s note,
court appearance, etc.). Homework will be assigned often, but not daily.
3. To ask a question, or respond to a question from the teacher, please raise your hand and wait
quietly to be recognized.
4. There is no food or drink allowed in the classroom at any time. Exception for water.
5. Cell phones will be confiscated if used anytime in class, or if ringer or vibration sounds.
No second chances.
6. At the end of each class, clean your area, and return your desk to its proper location.
7. You are responsible for keeping your notes current and organized.
8. Be courteous and respectful to all faculty and students at all times. No negative or
derogatory comments will be allowed in the classroom.
9. Teacher detention will be given for misbehavior, tardiness, or continuous talking or
disruption in class.
a. First detention = 15 minutes
b. Second detention = 30 minutes and call home
c. Third detention = visit to Mr. Koth
EVALUATION:
CATEGORY
Two Tests, Including Final
Exam
Four Quizzes
Three Supplemental Readings
Homework
Final Project/Presentation
Class Participation
Total
POSSIBLE POINTS
200
EARNED POINTS
180
200
75
100
100
100
775
167
70
100
95
95
707 (707/775= B+)
1. Tests
a. Cumulative tests will be administered once per marking period. They will be
announced in advance and therefore unable to be made up in case of absence.
Individually, each test will account for approximately 13% of your final grade.
2. Quizzes
a. Two quizzes will be administered per semester. Quizzes may be announced or
unannounced. They will be less cumulative, and more focused on individual topics
covered in class.
3. Homework
a. Homework will be assigned regularly, but not daily. As the most immediate form of
feedback they are essential for measuring progress, checking comprehension, and
reinforcing learned skills. No late homework will be accepted for partial or late
credit.
4. Final Project
a. Successful completion of a final composition project will be required for a passing
final grade. The deadline and requirements for this project will be announced well in
advance. No late submissions will be accepted. More information to come.
5. Supplemental Readings
a. Three times over the course of the semester, you will be given reading assignments
from an academic journal or textbook to supplement or augment what we learn in
class. Each reading will be accompanied by an in-class activity which will be graded.
6. Class Participation
a. This grade will be determined by the quality and frequency of your contributions
during class. For positive contributions it will go up, and for negative ones it will go
down.
ADDITIONALLY:
The contents of this syllabus, including objectives and resources, may be subject to modifications as
the school year progresses, the discretion of the instructor. Any modifications to this document will
be announced in advance.
EXTRA HELP and OFFICE HOURS:
I will be available for extra help after school Tuesdays and Thursdays, and limited office hours
during the school day. If you are struggling, or have any concerns whatsoever, please do not hesitate
to let me know. I want you to succeed in this course and will be happy to assist you in any way that
I can.
CONTRACT: To be signed and returned by Tuesday, September 8th
I, _____________ (print name), have read and understood this syllabus. I understand that I will be
solely responsible for the knowledge of its contents. I understand the behavior that is expected of
me in class and how my final grade will be calculated. I also understand that if, at any time, I have
questions or concerns, Mr. Girtain is available as a first resource to me.
Student Signature:_______________
Parent Signature:____________ Date:___________