The Study of Contemporary Music Trends Part 2 will continue to explore the roots of contemporary American music. After completing this course, students will have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for various forms of contemporary music, ranging from rock to jazz to country. This course will focus on the social, technological, and artistic trends that helped create and shape music of the 1980s through present times. Students will explore the history of each form and the role of music in the modern world.
It is recommended that students successfully complete The Study of Contemporary Music Trends Part 1 or equivalent course work before enrolling in this course.

Course Objectives

Unit 1: Essential Content and Skills

Examine the importance and value of studying the history and development of contemporary music.
Examine the continued development of contemporary music in the 1980s, including the technological, social, and artistic trends that influenced this development.
Explore some of the styles of music that developed during this time period.
Discover some of the artists associated with this period.
Analyze, compare, and contrast the different styles of music.

Unit 2: Essential Content and Skills

Examine the continued development of contemporary music in the 1990s and early 2000s, including the technological, social, and artistic trends that influenced this development.
Explore some of the styles of music that developed during this time period.
Discover some of the artists associated with this period.
Analyze, compare, and contrast the different styles of music.
Discover some of the important social, artistic, and technological influences that led to the organization of modern rock concerts.

Unit 3: Essential Content and Skills

Examine musical theater, film music, worldbeat music, and reggae music, and the impact these styles have had on the larger world of popular music.
Discover some of the artists associated with these styles of music.
Analyze, compare, and contrast the different styles.
Review several important technological developments that have occurred throughout the history of popular music.
Analyze how these developments have influenced, and will continue to influence, the development of popular music.

Unit 4: Essential Content and Skills

Explore ten of the most important albums in the history of popular music.
Examine ways in which artistic, social, and technological trends influenced the creation of each album.
Examine the influence each of these albums has had on the continued development of popular music.
Analyze, compare, and contrast the different artists and styles associated with these albums.

Course Materials

All Music Guide: The Definitive Guide to Popular Music (textbook)

Course Catalog

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