History of Popular MusicLaajuus (3 ECTS)

Objective

After comleting the course, the student will undesrstand the development that resulted in the emergence of Western popular music. The student will be able to identify the essential cultural/aesthetic and expressive characteristics and the various styles of popular music. The student will be familiar with the quintessential creators, performers, and works, and will understand the influence of the media on the development and spreading of Western popular music and popular culture.

Content

The encounter of African-American and European music cultures. The emergence and development of music industry. The evolution of technology and the media and their influence on the spreading of Western popular culture. The development of musical instruments and customs of performance. Different practices of consuming popular music. Central locations and essential styles, creators, performers, and works of popular music from the 1920’s onwards (excluding jazz).

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The assessment is based on the student’s work during the course, his/her skills and knowledge at the completion of the course, and his/her ability to reach the set objectives.