POPULAR MUSIC

This course aims to study the evolution of popular music from the second half of the twentieth century to the present day. Focus will be on how music has shaped and/or responded to cultural change, examining three themes inherent in so-called ‘popular’ music: love, protest and human relationships.

Through interactive discussions, listening exercises, quizzes and creative projects, students will analyze lyrics, contexts and different genres at different times and reflect on the role played by this part of popular culture in the evolution of society in general.

Learning Outcomes:

- Reading: students will become active readers and analysts of lyrics, shaping their own interpretations of song lyrics that are too often simply hummed.

- Writing skills: students will be required to produce their own lyrics and critical analyses at different stages of the course.

- Oral communication skills: students will engage in short-time debates over specific songs or topics.

• Critical Approach: students will develop their critical thinking skills by comparing song lyrics dealing with similar subjects and conveying similar messages.

Class Format:

Students will be involved in direct use of the language in participatory, communicative, and interactive classes. Time will mainly be devoted to:

• analyzing material (reading and listening activities).
• confronting ideas and discussing interpretations, approaches and writing
• creative writing on specific assignments dealing with societal topics (climate change, racism, healthcare, political representation…).

Course Content & Material:

• Songs from the 1950s to the 2020s (inc. Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Nina Simone, Marvin Gaye, Prince, Eminem…)
• Extracts from documentaries/interviews (inc. BBC, VH1, MTV…)
• Press articles (Melody maker, NME, Rolling Stone,….)

Evaluation will be based on:

• Participation: 40% (includes contributions to discussions and group activities)
• Creative/Writing Exercises/Quizzes: 40% (group work mostly: short essays, lyrics, creative reflections and quizzes covering key concepts and artists)
• In-class Essay: 20% (a paper analyzing a theme from the course)