MUSE 113: History of Rock and Roll

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2026
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Total Student Learning Hours: 162
District General Education: C1. Arts
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

This course focuses on the rock musician, the music and the manner in which sociological, political, and economic conditions merged in the evolution of this art form. Listening and classroom discussion will be stressed. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • discuss how cultural and social elements are reflected in music
  • demonstrate an ability to identify individual rock music styles
  • detect the values of music in everyday life and cite elements of musical heritage
  • identify the names and contributions of key rock personalities

Major Course Content

  1. The World before Rock and Roll
  2. The Birth and first Flourishing of Rock and Roll
  3. The Demise of Rock and the Promise of Soul
  4. The Beatles and the British Invasion
  5. American Responses
  6. Motown Pop and Southern Soul
  7. Psychedelia
  8. The Growing Rock Monster
  9. Black Pop, Reggae, and the Rise of Disco
  10. Mainstream Rock, Punk, and New Wave
  11. I Want my MTV
  12. Heavy Metal, Rap, and Indie Rock
  13. Alternative Rock and Rock Alternatives
  14. Widening Gaps
  15. Rock Traditions and the Business of Change
  16. A Foundational Layer

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Selected articles and other materials as provided by the instructor

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Film reports based on classroom materials
Write a 2 to 3 page paper analyzing the lyrics of a popular song in the rock and roll genre

Examples of Outside Assignments

Selected listening to audio/video examples provided by the instructor and online sources.
Internet research based on required reading and lectures
Listening to live on-campus and off-campus concerts and recitals

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture

IGETC Area 3: Arts and Humanities

3A. Fine Arts