History of Rock, Part Two

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/history-of-rock-2

Introduction

**Course Review: History of Rock, Part Two on Coursera** If you’ve ever found yourself tapping your foot to the beats of Led Zeppelin, singing along to Madonna, or headbanging to Metallica, then the course "History of Rock, Part Two" on Coursera is a must-explore experience. This engaging continuation of a two-part series offers a comprehensive examination of rock music during a pivotal era, primarily in the United States, from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. ### Overview "History of Rock, Part Two" dives deep into the music scene, providing an in-depth study of legendary artists like Bob Marley, Prince, Nirvana, and many others. The course balances cultural context with detailed explorations of the music itself, painting a vivid picture of how rock evolved alongside societal changes. With a focus on significant stylistic developments, it presents rock as a formidable cultural force throughout the decades. ### Course Structure and Syllabus Highlights The course is neatly organized into thematic segments, each focusing on a distinct era and style. Below are some key sections that draw attention: 1. **The Growing Rock Monster (1970-77)**: This module explores the evolution of rock, emphasizing the ambitious styles birthed from the late-60s psychedelia movement. It's fascinating to see how genres like blues-rock and progressive rock emerged during this time. 2. **Black Pop, Reggae, and the Rise of Disco (1970-79)**: A notable focus on Black musicians and the cultural ramifications of their contributions, including the profound impacts of artists like James Brown and Bob Marley. This section acknowledges the intertwining paths of rock and its cultural counterparts. 3. **Mainstream Rock, Punk, and New Wave (1975-79)**: Here, students can grasp the corporate rock phenomenon, while gaining insight into the punk movement that challenged music's status quo. The introduction of New Wave adds another layer to this vibrant musical landscape. 4. **I Want My MTV (1980-89)**: This module discusses the birth of MTV and its transformation of music consumption, particularly how it brought icons like Michael Jackson into the visual spotlight. The question of whether music became more visual than aural arises, adding an intriguing layer to the discourse. 5. **Heavy Metal, Rap, and Indie Rock (1980-89)**: As heavy metal and hip-hop infiltrate mainstream culture, students discover how these genres react to and shape the rock landscape. This segment brilliantly showcases the tensions and collaborations between different styles. 6. **Alternative Rock, Rock Alternatives, and Widening Gaps (the 1990s)**: The course wraps up by examining the emergence of "classic rock," exploring the nostalgia and its effects on contemporary music, while addressing the growth of various genres like indie rock and hip-hop. ### Learning Experience Each module is supplemented with reading assignments, listening guides, and dedicated videos, ensuring an immersive learning experience. The combination of theoretical knowledge with auditory examples makes for a dynamic understanding of rock music's evolution. The course structure is user-friendly, making it accessible for both music aficionados and casual listeners. ### Conclusion and Recommendation "History of Rock, Part Two" on Coursera is not just a course; it's an auditory journey through a transformative period in music history. Ideal for music lovers, students of cultural history, and anyone looking to enrich their understanding of rock's influence, this course provides valuable insights and context that resonate today. I highly recommend enrolling in this course; it’s a celebration of musical innovation and its ability to reflect and influence societal change. Whether you are looking to deepen your knowledge of rock music or simply enjoy a well-rounded overview of an important cultural phenomenon, “History of Rock, Part Two” is a worthwhile endeavor that promises to enlighten and entertain.

Syllabus

Introduction

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.]

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.]

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.]

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.]

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.]

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.]