Music - Fall 1998

This course studies the evolution of electronic music thoughout the century, discussing both technology and art, and the profound synergy between them. During the first half of the semester, emphasis is on historic developments and repertoire, with lots of listening and analysis (both in class and assigned). The second half regards the many tech developments and musical directions currently active in electronic music, and in the production of live and recorded music in general. Classes are full of sounds, instruments, guest speakers and demonstrations.

Covers vernacular styles including Stephen Foster, vaudeville, Tin Pan Alley, the Hit Parade; blues, gospel, soul, rhythm and blues; Anglo-American folk ballads, country music, bluegrass, hillbilly, and the merger of these roots into rock and roll in the mid-1950s, the parallel development of doo-wop, girl groups, and the rise of rock with the British invasion in the mid-60s-mainly the Beatles. Musical experience helpful but not required (General Education Codes: T4-Humanities and Arts, A.)

Two textbooks are required: Michael Campbell's survey "And the Beat Goes On..." which comes with a set of cassettes or CD's including 90% of the musical examples discussed in the book. The CD's are recommended, since it's very difficult to find specific points on a cassette to compare songs or styles. (Used sets of the book & CDs should be available at the Bookstore from prior years, but they'll go fast.)

The other text is "Mystery Train" by Greil Marcus, an inexpensive trade paperback. You can often find used copies of this at Logos or other bookstores, but it's important to make sure that you get either the newest (4th edition) or the previous 3rd edition. The main difference between these two is that the discographies for the 4th edition have been updated to include CDs; prior editions all refer to vinyl. Don't buy used 1st or 2nd editions, since the chapter content was updated in the 3rd edition. Listening tapes keyed to each chapter in this text will be available in McHenry Media Center.

Note that the Tuesday 4:00 lab session is required; it will be used in several ways: to show videos, for guest lectures, for exam review, and others. If you have a class that overlaps by a few minutes and Teleslug won't sign you in, call the Human Being help line, and they'll deal with it. If still a problem, see me at class for a permission code. (But I can't OK situations where you have another class in the 4:00 slot.)

Because this is generally a large class, you should know up front that the final exam will be given at the time designated by the Registrar; no exceptions can be made. I will set a Mid-term date based on the quarter schedule, and again no early or late exams will be given. Exams are multiple-choice, computer-graded, and open note (NOT open book).

Syllabus, assignments, and other class communications will rely almost entirely on e-mail. Therefore you will need an e-mail account. If you do not already have one, be sure to get one set up at any college computer lab before the class starts (it's free).

If you have specific questions, please e-mail me at <gagaku@cats.ucsc.edu>.

The course will focus on the Holocaust through the cultural material created by the victims and the individual response to the historical events and their meaning. Additional topics will include musical performance, theater, cabaret, and folk tales, as well as themes expressed in diaries, poetry, and other written forms. Through reading, listening, and viewing films from the point of view of a cultural historian, the student will gain insight to the roles of the individual and the culture in a community under oppression. Students will be evaluated on the basis of class participation and a written project.

General Education Codes: T4-Humanities and Arts, A.

T Th 12:00 - 1:45 PM
Music Center 131

Revised 7/19/04.