MO3524 Popular Music, Culture and Society: The United States and Britain, 1955-1980
Academic year
2024 to 2025 Semester 2
Curricular information may be subject to change
Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.
Key module information
SCOTCAT credits
30
SCQF level
SCQF level 9
Planned timetable
TBC
Module coordinator
Dr G A M Mitchell
Module Staff
Dr G Mitchell
Module description
This module explores the ways in which popular music may be used as a lens through which to view socio-cultural changes in Britain and the United States after World War II. It adopts a thematic focus, allowing students to explore particular changes and ideas as they affected both of the countries in question. Adopting a broad and flexible definition of 'popular music', the module explores many of the distinctive musical trends and styles which found particular favour during this period, including rock 'n' roll, skiffle, folk music, 'beat', rock, disco and punk rock. It analyses the ways in which these variously reflected, and served to illuminate, such themes as youth and generational cultures, politics and protest, race, gender, place and social class. While some of the content is transatlantic/comparative in its focus, the module also encourages students to explore those socio-cultural conditions and phenomena which were unique to the US and Britain during this period.
Relationship to other modules
Pre-requisites
BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS AT LEAST 60 CREDITS FROM {MO1007, MO1008, MO2008, HI2001, MH2002}
Anti-requisites
YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU TAKE MO3421
Assessment pattern
2-hour Written Examination = 40%, Coursework = 60%
Re-assessment
4,000-word essay = 100%
Learning and teaching methods and delivery
Weekly contact
1 x 2-hour seminar, plus 1 office hour.
Scheduled learning hours
22
Guided independent study hours
278