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John Covach
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
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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.]
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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.]
Read more
Traffic lights
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Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
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Reviews summary
Engaging journey through rock history
According to learners, this course offers a well-structured and engaging exploration of rock history from the 1970s to the 1990s. Many highlight the instructor's passion and extensive knowledge as a key strength, making the complex subject matter accessible and interesting. Students particularly appreciate the quality of the lectures and supplementary listening guides, which aid in understanding the musical evolution. While the course covers a broad range of artists and styles, a few reviewers noted they wished for more in-depth coverage on specific genres or artists. Overall, it is seen as a highly rewarding experience for anyone interested in this era of music.
Covers a wide variety of artists.
"Loved the diverse range of artists covered, from mainstream hits to influential underground sounds."
"It introduced me to bands and styles I hadn't explored before."
"The course does a great job touching on major movements and key figures of the era."
"Surprising and welcome inclusion of less obvious artists alongside the giants."
Lectures and guides aid learning.
"The listening guides were invaluable for really hearing and understanding the music discussed."
"Video lectures are high quality and engaging."
"The combination of video and audio materials is perfect for a music course."
"I appreciated the supplementary materials that helped contextualize the music."
Well-organized and easy to follow.
"The course is really well organized, covering different genres and artists logically."
"The way the material is structured, moving chronologically and thematically, is very effective."
"Everything flows smoothly from one topic to the next."
"I found the course layout very intuitive and easy to navigate."
Highly praised instructor expertise.
"The professor was incredible - so passionate and knowledgeable, truly brought the history to life."
"His genuine passion shines through, making even complex parts easy to grasp."
"The instructor's lectures are engaging and full of insights; clearly an expert in the field."
"I really enjoyed the teacher's approach and expertise on the subject."
"The professor is simply outstanding, one of the best online instructors I've encountered."
Some desire more detailed coverage.
"While broad, I wished for more in-depth focus on specific genres or artists mentioned."
"Could have gone a bit deeper into the technical aspects or cultural nuances of certain styles."
"A little more detail on key albums or musical analysis would have been great."
"Felt like some fascinating topics were only briefly touched upon."
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
Show steps
Tests and reinforces knowledge of rock music history, artists, and trivia.
Browse courses on
Rock Music
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Helps develop the ability to recognize and differentiate between various rock music styles.
Browse courses on
Rock Music
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Helps solidify understanding of the origins and development of Southern Rock.
Show steps
-
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.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Expand Knowledge on Disco Music
Show steps
Helps expand knowledge on the disco genre and its impact on popular culture.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Helps foster critical thinking and exchange of diverse perspectives on rock music.
Show steps
-
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'
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Helps solidify understanding of the evolution and different subgenres of heavy metal.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Helps visualize and understand the historical progression of rock music.
Browse courses on
Rock Music
Show steps
-
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.
Participate in a Rock Trivia Contest
Show steps
Tests and reinforces knowledge of rock music history, artists, and trivia.
Browse courses on
Rock Music
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Helps develop the ability to recognize and differentiate between various rock music styles.
Browse courses on
Rock Music
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Helps solidify understanding of the origins and development of Southern Rock.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Expand Knowledge on Disco Music
Show steps
Helps expand knowledge on the disco genre and its impact on popular culture.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Helps foster critical thinking and exchange of diverse perspectives on rock music.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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'
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Helps solidify understanding of the evolution and different subgenres of heavy metal.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Helps visualize and understand the historical progression of rock music.
Browse courses on
Rock Music
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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 Professor
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.
Music Critic
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.
Music Producer
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.
Musician
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.
Audio Engineer
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.
Arts Administrator
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.
Talent Agent
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.
Music Journalist
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.
Record Label Executive
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.
Entertainment Lawyer
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.
Music Librarian
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.
Music Teacher
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.
Music Therapist
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.
Historian
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/znk2xo/history
Reading list
We've selected 13 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
History of Rock, Part Two.
A biography of the Sex Pistols, one of the most influential punk bands of all time
Save
A seminal work on the punk movement in the United Kingdom, providing a detailed history of the scene
Save
An oral history of the punk movement as told by the people who were there, includes interviews with musicians, promoters, record label executives, and fans
Save
A profusely illustrated history through the history of rock 'n' roll, with essays by famous rock critics and music historians
Save
A history of the post-punk movement in the United Kingdom, exploring the various subgenres and influences that emerged in the wake of punk
A comprehensive guide to rock and rock music, this single-volume sourcebook provides information on rock musicians, bands and the various subgenres of rock music, from rock and roll, heavy metal, punk, psychedelic and more
Save
A scandalous and brutally honest autobiography by the members of heavy metal band Mötley Crüe, chronicling their rise to fame, their struggles with addiction and infighting, and their eventual reconciliation as a band
Save
A history of heavy metal music, tracing its origins in the blues and rock and roll to its development into a distinct genre in the 1970s
Save
A history of the roots of rock and roll music, focusing on the key cities and musicians that shaped the genre
An exploration of the history of the music industry, from the birth of rock and roll to the rise of hip-hop, providing insight into how hit songs are made
Save
A comprehensive discography of rock music, covering over 10,000 albums released between 1955 and 2001
Save
An expose of the music industry, focusing on the role of record labels, music publishers, and managers in shaping the careers of musicians
Save
A history of the Wrecking Crew, a group of Los Angeles-based session musicians who played on countless hit records in the 1960s and 1970s
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/znk2xo/history
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Effort
12-24 hours of videos and quizzes
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Rochester
Instructor
John Covach
Language
English
Transcripts
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