MUSC 125

I. Course Title: The Beatles

II. Course Number: MUSC 125

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits 

IV. Prerequisites: None

V. Course Description: 

The study of the music of The Beatles – its stylistic progression, technological innovation and influence on popular music of the era and beyond.  Emphasis will also include historical, cultural, personal and musical context in which The Beatles and their music developed and thrived.

Note(s): Applied Learning and General Education designated course.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

This course explores the music and history of The Beatles. Students will also gain an understanding of their influence on popular music and culture.

1. Critical Listening

• a. Musical Elements
• b. Production Elements - Sound/Technology
• c. Analytical Listening - Meaning/Emotion

2. Pre Beatles

• a. Musical Context
• b. Historic Context
• c. Social Context
• d. Childhood
• e. Musical Influences

3. Early Years

• a. Early Incarnations and line-ups
• b. Club Band
• c. Germany and Creating a Show
• d. Management
• e. Record Label Search
• f. Producer - George Martin

4. Beatlemania

• a. England
• b. America and the World
• c. Ed Sullivan
• d. Early Albums
• e. Hard Day's Night

5. Studio Years

• a. Albums
• b. Experimentation and Innovation
• c. Drugs and Transcendental Meditation
• d. Death of Brian Epstein
• e. Disintegration and Break-Up

6. Post Beatles

• a. Solo Work
• b. Assassination of John Lennon
• c. Anthology
• d.Attempted Assassination of George Harrison
• e. Continuing Influence on Popular Music

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

This course will make use of interactive lectures, readings, music listening and analysis, student projects and presentations, and exams.

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

To understand and appreciate the music, musical development, and history of The Beatles. Students will practice critical and analytical listening of the music of The Beatles, the Beatles' musical influences, and musicians and musical genres they have influenced.

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will acquire a greater familiarity and deeper understanding of the music and history of The Beatles.
2. Students will acquire and cultivate deeper critical listening skills.
3. Students will be able to place the music of The Beatles into a broader popular music context.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Students will be assessed via their class participation, weekly assignments, critical listening quizzes, writing projects, and exams. Students will be required to demonstrate their understanding of course concepts through exams and completion of class projects.

 

Other Course Information: None

 

Review and Approval

March 01, 2021