Music: US Popular Music Since 1989

An exploration of the sounds and social politics of US popular music over the last three decades. Focuses on the transformations wrought by digital technologies to the production, consumption, and politics of popular music. Through examination of songs, music videos, and writings, students refine critical listening and writing skills.

Open to Degree and PACE students

Through this course we will encounter the sounds and social politics of US popular music over the last three decades. We will focus on the transformations wrought by digital technologies, such as how we got from vinyl to cassettes to CDs to mp3s, and how we went from MTV to YouTube to TikTok. The impact of digital technologies on the production, consumption, and politics of popular music is all encompassing. Through an extended examination of critical writings, song lyrics, music videos, and artist personas, you will refine critical listening and writing skills, explore the formation of today’s musical soundscapes and musical infrastructures, reflect upon issues of genre and taste, unpack sonic and visual personae, and consider how gender, race, sexuality, nationality, and class shape the social politics of pop music.

No prerequisites. May be counted toward the music major with a concentration in Music Tech and Business, or toward any music minor, with your academic advisor’s permission (academic advisor must email the CAS advisor instructing them to count it). Fulfills Gen. Ed. AH-1 (Arts).

Papers, in-class assignments, group presentation