History of Rock, Part Two from Coursera

This course, part 2 of a 2-course sequence, examines the history of rock, primarily as it unfolded in the United States, from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. This course covers the music of Led Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers, Carole King, Bob Marley, the Sex Pistols, Donna Summer, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Metallica, Run-DMC, and Nirvana, and many more artists, with an emphasis both on cultural context and on the music itself. We will also explore how developments in the music business and in technology helped shape the ways in which styles developed.

Emerging out of the experimental and ambitious years of late-60s psychedelia, rock splintered into a variety of styles in the 1970s as the music business continued to expand. By the end of the decade, punk and disco had challenged the excesses of the hippie aesthetic, as rock became more commercially streamlined and radio friendly. The emergence and rise of MTV transformed pop music and propelled the careers of Michael jackson and Madonna, while heavy metal and hip hop dominated the late 1980s. Nirvana leads alt-rock's return to simplicity in the early 1990s.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

The Growing Rock Monster (1970-77)

A series of styles continue to develop the combinations of late-1960s psychedelia: blues-rock, southern rock, progressive rock, jazz-rock, theatrical rock, country rock, and singer-songwriters. Rock becomes increasingly ambitious. [Read Chapter 8 and work through listening guides for that chapter, viewing dedicated video.]

Black Pop, Reggae, and the Rise of Disco (1970-79)

Moving along a parallel but mostly separate path, black pop develops with the help of James Brown and Sly and the Family Stone. Motown continues, the rise of funk and Blaxploitation films. Bob Marley and reggae. The emergence of disco the reaction of rock fans. [Read Chapter 9 and work through listening guides for that chapter, viewing dedicated video.]

Mainstream Rock, Punk, and New Wave (1975-79)

Rock style from the early 70s are streamlined and labeled corporate rock, as the music business expands even further. The mega-album. Punk reacts with a return to simplicity. New wave develops the punk attitude. [Read Chapter 10 and work through listening guides and dedicated video.]

I Want My MTV (1980-89)

MTV emerges from a developing cable television industry. Michael Jackson and Thriller. The rise of Madonna, Prince, and Janet Jackson. Does MTV make music more visual than aural? Mainstream rockers continue thrive. [Read Chapter 11 and work through listening guides and dedicated video.]

Heavy Metal, Rap, and Indie Rock (1980-89)

Developing out of underground scenes of the late 1970s, heavy metal and hip hop become important mainstream styles in the late 1980s, aided by exposure on MTV. The rock reaction against rap. [Read Chapter 12 and work through listening guides and dedicated video.]

Alternative Rock, Rock Alternatives, and Widening Gaps (the 1990s)

The growth of "classic rock" and the development of the history-of-rock awareness. A survey of artists as they relate to earlier trends in the history of rock, including teen idols, hip-hop, 60s-influenced rock, female singer-songwriters, dance music, indie rock, and heavy metal. [Read Chapters 13 and 14 and work through listening guides and dedicated video.]

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the history of rock from the early 1970s to the early 1990s, focusing on cultural context and the music itself

Explores a variety of rock styles, including blues-rock, southern rock, progressive rock, jazz-rock, theatrical rock, country rock, and singer-songwriters

Covers the rise of disco, punk, and new wave, and their impact on the rock music landscape

Analyzes the emergence of MTV and its influence on the music industry and popular culture

Examines the development of heavy metal, hip hop, and alternative rock in the 1980s and 1990s

Taught by John Covach, a respected expert in the history of rock music

Reviews summary

Well-received history of rock course

Learners say this introductory course to Rock music is clear, interesting, and insightful. The course is well received by beginners to Rock music and those interested in the history of music. Six out of seven reviewers gave this course 5 stars.

Emphasis on music as a cultural influence.

"I learnt to see music as a cultural influence and product"

Excellent instructor, Dr. Covach.

"Dr. Covach was a great instructor"

Introductory course on Rock music.

"Excellent introductory course to Rock music"

"it is an excellent introductory course to Rock music and the study of the history of music in general"

Friendly to beginners.

"As a beginner to Rock music, I thoroughly enjoyed the second part of the course"

Clear, interesting, and insightful.

"it was clear but interesting, simple yet insightful"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in History of Rock, Part Two with these activities:

Participate in a Rock Trivia Contest

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Tests and reinforces knowledge of rock music history, artists, and trivia.

Browse courses on Rock Music

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Find and register for online or local rock trivia contests.
Study and prepare by reviewing rock music history, artists, and trivia.
Participate in the contest and answer questions to the best of your ability.

Practice Identifying Rock Styles by Ear

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Helps develop the ability to recognize and differentiate between various rock music styles.

Browse courses on Rock Music

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Listen to a variety of rock music tracks from different eras and subgenres.
Identify the key musical elements that characterize each style, such as instrumentation, rhythm, and vocal delivery.
Practice identifying rock styles by ear using online quizzes or ear training exercises.

Explore the Southern Rock Movement

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Helps solidify understanding of the origins and development of Southern Rock.

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Listen to key albums by Southern Rock bands such as the Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Research the history and cultural context of the Southern Rock movement.
Write a brief paper analyzing the characteristics and influences of Southern Rock.

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Expand Knowledge on Disco Music

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Helps expand knowledge on the disco genre and its impact on popular culture.

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Watch documentaries or read articles about the history and evolution of disco music.
Listen to influential disco albums and analyze their musical elements.
Attend a disco-themed event or listen to a disco playlist to experience the genre firsthand.

Engage in Discussion Groups on Rock Music

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Helps foster critical thinking and exchange of diverse perspectives on rock music.

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Join online discussion forums or participate in study groups dedicated to rock music.
Discuss different rock artists, albums, genres, and historical events with peers.
Share insights, ask questions, and engage in respectful debates to deepen understanding of rock music.

Read 'Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk'

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Provides an in-depth look at the origins, influences, and impact of the punk movement.

View Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key events,人物,and ideas.
Discuss the book with classmates or participate in an online forum to share insights.

Compose a Playlist Illustrating Heavy Metal's Progression

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Helps solidify understanding of the evolution and different subgenres of heavy metal.

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Research the history and evolution of heavy metal music.
Listen to a variety of heavy metal subgenres and identify their unique characteristics.
Create a playlist that demonstrates the progression of heavy metal from its early roots to its modern forms.

Compile a Timeline of Rock Music's Evolution

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Helps visualize and understand the historical progression of rock music.

Browse courses on Rock Music

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Research key events, artists, and albums that have shaped the evolution of rock music.
Create a visual timeline using a tool like TimelineJS or Google Timeline.
Include images, videos, and brief descriptions to illustrate each milestone on the timeline.

Career center

Learners who complete History of Rock, Part Two will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Music Critic

The course History of Rock, Part Two provides a comprehensive overview of the history of rock music from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. This course is an excellent resource for Music Critics who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the development of rock music. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the rise of heavy metal, punk, and disco. It also explores the impact of technology on the music industry. This course can help Music Critics develop a more informed understanding of the history of rock music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Critic

Musician

The course History of Rock, Part Two provides a comprehensive overview of the history of rock music from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. This course is an excellent resource for Musicians who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the development of rock music. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the rise of heavy metal, punk, and disco. It also explores the impact of technology on the music industry. This course can help Musicians develop a more informed understanding of the history of rock music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Musician

Music Producer

The course History of Rock, Part Two provides a comprehensive overview of the history of rock music from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. This course is an excellent resource for Music Producers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the development of rock music. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the rise of heavy metal, punk, and disco. It also explores the impact of technology on the music industry. This course can help Music Producers develop a more informed understanding of the history of rock music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

Music Professor

The course History of Rock, Part Two provides a comprehensive overview of the history of rock music from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. This course is an excellent resource for Music Professors who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the development of rock music. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the rise of heavy metal, punk, and disco. It also explores the impact of technology on the music industry. This course can help Music Professors develop a more informed understanding of the history of rock music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Professor

Audio Engineer

The course History of Rock, Part Two provides a comprehensive overview of the history of rock music from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. This course is an excellent resource for Audio Engineers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the development of rock music. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the rise of heavy metal, punk, and disco. It also explores the impact of technology on the music industry. This course can help Audio Engineers develop a more informed understanding of the history of rock music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Engineer

Arts Administrator

The course History of Rock, Part Two provides a comprehensive overview of the history of rock music from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. This course is an excellent resource for Arts Administrators who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the development of rock music. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the rise of heavy metal, punk, and disco. It also explores the impact of technology on the music industry. This course can help Arts Administrators develop a more informed understanding of the history of rock music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Arts Administrator

Music Journalist

The course History of Rock, Part Two provides a comprehensive overview of the history of rock music from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. This course is an excellent resource for Music Journalists who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the development of rock music. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the rise of heavy metal, punk, and disco. It also explores the impact of technology on the music industry. This course can help Music Journalists develop a more informed understanding of the history of rock music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Journalist

Record Label Executive

The course History of Rock, Part Two provides a comprehensive overview of the history of rock music from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. This course is an excellent resource for Record Label Executives who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the development of rock music. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the rise of heavy metal, punk, and disco. It also explores the impact of technology on the music industry. This course can help Record Label Executives develop a more informed understanding of the history of rock music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Record Label Executive

Entertainment Lawyer

The course History of Rock, Part Two provides a comprehensive overview of the history of rock music from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. This course is an excellent resource for Entertainment Lawyers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the development of rock music. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the rise of heavy metal, punk, and disco. It also explores the impact of technology on the music industry. This course can help Entertainment Lawyers develop a more informed understanding of the history of rock music.

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Talent Agent

The course History of Rock, Part Two provides a comprehensive overview of the history of rock music from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. This course is an excellent resource for Talent Agents who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the development of rock music. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the rise of heavy metal, punk, and disco. It also explores the impact of technology on the music industry. This course can help Talent Agents develop a more informed understanding of the history of rock music.

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Music Librarian

The course History of Rock, Part Two provides a comprehensive overview of the history of rock music from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. This course is an excellent resource for Music Librarians who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the development of rock music. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the rise of heavy metal, punk, and disco. It also explores the impact of technology on the music industry. This course can help Music Librarians develop a more informed understanding of the history of rock music.

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Music Therapist

The course History of Rock, Part Two provides a comprehensive overview of the history of rock music from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. This course is an excellent resource for Music Therapists who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the development of rock music. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the rise of heavy metal, punk, and disco. It also explores the impact of technology on the music industry. This course can help Music Therapists develop a more informed understanding of the history of rock music.

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Music Teacher

The course History of Rock, Part Two provides a comprehensive overview of the history of rock music from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. This course is an excellent resource for Music Teachers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the development of rock music. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the rise of heavy metal, punk, and disco. It also explores the impact of technology on the music industry. This course can help Music Teachers develop a more informed understanding of the history of rock music.

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Historian

The course History of Rock, Part Two provides a comprehensive overview of the history of rock music from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. This course is an excellent resource for Historians who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the development of rock music. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the rise of heavy metal, punk, and disco. It also explores the impact of technology on the music industry. This course can help Historians develop a more informed understanding of the history of rock music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian