ENG 1922 - WRITING ABOUT ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

credits: 6.0
Will survey the history, cultures, trends, artists and songs of Rock ‘n’ Roll according to a chronological timeline, starting in the 1950’s to the 1980’s, from Elvis Presley to Bruce Springsteen. Will study the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll to build a knowledge of the historical and cultural canon of Rock ‘n’ Roll as well as to consider the cultural conditions that influenced trends, contributions and changes in the definitions (and representations) of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Will survey lyrics, songs and albums for themes that demonstrate relevant American sentiment, cultural, socio-political sentiment of the “times”, and formal personal sentiment, as iconography of musicians whose images and messages influenced movements in American culture. Students will listen to rock songs and watch rock videos, television debut clips and rock documentary films in order to build a valuable context around Rock ‘n’ Roll legends. Students will read summary articles, reviews, autobiographical sketches, biographical sketches, commentary, non-fiction and stories about Rock ‘n’ Roll artists and music. As well as, read the writing of music journalists and literary writers about Rock ‘n Roll artists and music. Will use these readings as models for the writing component for this English course. Objectives: A) To read articles, stories, and essays by music journalists, historians and writers; B) Listen to music samples and watch videos and documentary clips of music and musicians. C) Write intensively in the style, spirit and craft of the music genre essay, the personal essay and the short story. Method of Instruction: Discussion, presentations, extensive computer lab-writing exercises, revision workshops. Class will take a trip to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, as part of our mission to understand, contextualize and write seriously about Rock ‘n’ Roll. (There will be a special fee attached to the class for this trip.) Method of Evaluation: Two nonfiction essays, one story, and one final project. Course Fee for fields trip: $250.00.