Contra Costa College
Course Outline
Department & Number
Course Title
Prerequisite
Challenge Policy
Co-requisite
Challenge Policy
Advisory
Music 114
Pop, Rock and Jazz: Their Cultural Origins
None
None
None
None
None
Number of Weeks
Lecture Hours
18
3
Lab Hours
Hours By Arrangement
1
Activity Hours
Units
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will closely examine the multi-cultural origins of American music, where the blending of African,
European and Latin American influences resulted in the emergence of the United States’ own indigenous
musical forms: Blues, Jazz, Rock, Country, Tex-Mex and American Musical Theater. Not repeatable.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the completion of the course the student will be able to:
Identify and analyze the basic elements of music.
Distinguish various styles.
Demonstrate improved listening skills.
Recognize, compare and contrast specific performers and composers.
Discuss and evaluate the impact of racism on popular music.
Demonstrate the ability to be more selective in choosing quality listening materials
Identify African influences on American Music
Explain the development of early Jazz and Rock.
Distinguish the important periods and styles in the history of Jazz, Rock and Country.
Identify a 12 bar Blues form.
COURSE CONTENT: (In detail; attach additional information as needed and include percentage breakdown)
25
75
% Listening skills A) Understanding melody, Harmony, Rhythm, Improvisation, Lyrics, Tone,
Timbre, Sonority B) Distinguishing instruments. C) Understanding the concepts of
Performance, Material and Production
% In depth examination of the history and significant performers, composers, and
compositions in American Popular Music in the following dominant styles: A) Jazz
B) Rock C) Blues D) Soul and Gospel E) Rap Music F) Theater and Film Music
G) Country Music H) Latin and Tex-Mex Music
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Lecture/Demonstration
Audio-visual: Recordings, video, CD-ROM
Live performance demonstrations
Lab Listening
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Textbook Title:
Author:
Publisher:
Edition/Date:
The Beat Goes On, Popular Music In America
Michael Campbell
Thompson/Shirmer
2nd Edition, 2006
COURSE EXPECTATIONS (Use applicable expectations)
Outside of Class Weekly Assignments
Weekly Reading Assignments
Weekly Writing Assignments
Weekly Listening Assignments
Preparation for tests and/or classroom projects
Performance/Concert Assignments
Hours per week
2
2
1
1
1
STUDENT EVALUATION: (Show percentage breakdown for evaluation instruments)
50
30
20
%
%
%
%
Quizzes and Checkups
Reading worksheets, Listening Logs and Concert Reviews
Writing Assignments
GRADING POLICY (Choose LG, CR/NC, or SC)
Letter Grade
Credit / No Credit
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = F
70% and above = Credit
Below 70% = No Credit
Prepared by:
Wayne Organ
Date: Semester/Year
Spring 2008
Revised 02/07
X
Student Choice
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = F
70% and above = Credit
Below 70% = No Credit