History of Rock I Mrs. Sarah Ray 425 Dragon Drive, Clinton, TN 37716 [email protected] 865.457.2611 ext. 304
COURSE INFORMATION: Single Block; One Semester; One Credit; 9th-12th Grades
Pre-requisites and/or Requirements—None
The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll, a semester based elective, is an in depth study of the origins of popular music in the 20th century. The course will address the social and historical context that gave birth to Rock ‘n’ Roll and related genres and musical offshoots. From blues and country to punk and heavy metal, students will familiarize themselves with landmark groups, music, and movements of different periods, exploring connections between modern music and the artists from the past who have paved the way for the popular music of today.
COURSE GOALS:
STUDENTS WILL DEMONSTRATE PROFICIENCY IN…
Analyzing musical examples from various historical periods/genres.
Distinguishing through aural techniques the appropriate historical period/genre for a given musical excerpt.
Evaluating musical works based on the musical characteristics of each historical period.
Recognizing how elements (i.e. color, balance, texture) are used in the arts within various historical periods.
Comparing ways in which the principles and subject matter of other disciplines are interrelated with those of music.
Assessing the role of technology in creating, producing and listening to music.
Examining the role of music in today's environment.
Comparing and contrasting selected literature by genre or style and historical periods or cultures.
Appraising the historical and /or cultural significance of a given musical work.
CLASSROOM POLICIES:
In order for us to have a successful semester, classroom members need to strive to adhere to the following standards and policies:
BE PROMPT
• When the bell rings, be inside the classroom.
BE PREPARED • Come to class well-rested and ready to learn with your classroom materials, supplies, and coursework.
BE PROFESSIONAL
• Respect everyone’s personal rights, property, and opinion.
• Cooperate with your teachers and classmates.
• Challenge yourself to grow & ask for help when you need it.
• Keep track of your books and assignments.
• Turn in your work on time.
• Do your part in cooperative learning projects.
• Accept responsibility for your grades and actions.
MATERIALS & RESOURCES:
It is required that each student have a 3-ring binder, loose-leaf notebook paper, at least 3 dividers, a writing utensil, and some type of music listening device or access to music (i.e. ipod, MP3 player, CD’s, USB jump drive, or an online account for a music listening website) for use in class.
Students will use a variety of resources and materials to build their knowledge of rock history and popular music of the 20th and 21st centuries. DUE TO THE CONTENT, THEMES, AND LANGUAGE OF SOME OF THE MATERIAL, A MATURE ATTITUDE IS REQUIRED AND EXPECTED! Students can be given an alternate assignment if the content makes them uncomfortable. Some of the History of Rock & Roll resources may include the following: DVD: Ray, DVD: Walk the Line, DVD: The Buddy Holly Story, DVD: That Thing You Do, DVD: Standing in the Shadows of Motown, and DVD: Time/Life: The History of Rock & Roll.
ASSESSMENT PLAN Interims and final grades will reflect work done up to that point in the grading cycle. In accordance with the Clinton High School grading policy, letter grades will be awarded using the following grading scale:
A 93-100 B 85-92 C 75-84 D 70-74 F 0-69
Grades will be based on a percentage of total points earned in the following categories: Daily Work—All daily work (Bell work, Jams of the Day, Reflections, Evaluations, Worksheets, Quizzes, etc.) is to be organized in a notebook for notebook tests. Quizzes may be scheduled OR random occurrences. Quiz credit, or “quality quizzes,” may be taken from homework assignments. Varying point values. Tests—Are always scheduled and at least 24 hours notice will be given. Test grades could include exams, notebook tests, and projects. Varying point values. Participation—Grades are determined by daily preparation, participation, and adherence to classroom policies. 5 points per day. Grades should be updated every two weeks in Skyward. Please notify me ASAP, if you cannot access Skyward.
Late Work: While I encourage and expect every student to complete each assignment and/or project to the best of their ability partial credit will be awarded, at my discretion, for incomplete work submitted on time. Work turned in late without prior arrangements having been made will result in passing credit at best. Late work issues not specifically covered in this policy will arise due to family emergencies, extenuating circumstances, etc. Students should see me with any individual concerns they may have, preferably prior to due dates.
COURSE OUTLINE Chapter 1: The 1920’s, ‘30’s, and ‘40’s—Building a National Audience for Music and Entertainment, Regional Styles of Country and Western Music, Rural and Urban Blues, The Singer Steps Forward, Recordings and Radio Further a National Sound for Country and Western, Rhythm and Blues as a “Dangerous Influence” on American (White) Youth
Chapter 2: The Birth and First Flourishing of Rock and Roll (1955-1960)—The Rise of Youth Culture, Radio and Records, Crossovers and Covers, The Rise of Elvis Presley: In Steps Corporate America, Rockabilly in the Wake of Elvis, The Day the Music Died
Chapter 3: The Demise of Rock and the Promise of Soul (1959-1963)—Teenyboppers and Their Older Siblings, Ambitious Pop and the Rise of the Producer, Sweet Soul on the Rise, Rockabilly Popsters, Surfin’ USA, Record Production, The Splatter Platter
Chapter 4: The Beatles and the British Invasion—British Pop in the Late 1950’s and Early 1960’s, The Beatles as Students of American Pop, Beatle Influences, Beatlemania, The British Invade, The Rolling Stones and the British Blues Revival, The Mop Tops Threaten the Big Wigs
Chapter 5: American Responses—Folk Rock, American Pop on Both Coasts, Garage Bands, TV Rock
Chapter 6: Motown Pop and Southern Soul (1960-1970)—Berry Gordy Jr. and Black Music for White Audiences, The Motown Artists, Atlantic, Stax, and Southern Soul, James Brown: On the Way to Funk
Chapter 7: Psychedelia—Drugs and the Quest for Higher Consciousness, Psychedelic Ambition: The Beach Boys and the Beatles, the San Francisco Scene and Haight-Ashbury, The London Scene, Los Angeles and New York, A Woodstock Nation: Festivals, Audiences, and Radio
TENNESSEE STANDARDS Content Standard 6.0: Listening and Analyzing—Students will listen to, analyze, and describe music.
Content Standard 7.0: Evaluating—Students will evaluate music and music performances.
Content Standard 8.0: Interdisciplinary Connections—Students will understand relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
Content Standard 9.0: Historical and Cultural Relationships--Students will understand music in relation to history and culture. Please detach, complete and return this to me by Friday, August 16, 2013. This will be your student’s first homework grade. This page will be kept on file in class. The syllabus is to be kept in the front of the student’s notebook for future reference. By signing below, you (the student and the parent) are acknowledging that you have read and understand the History of Rock course information provided in this packet.
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