This course will focus on the language and culture of North America after World War II through the study of rock and roll music from the 1950s until the 1970s. In addition to following the methods of cultural studies, the class will include extensive listening to music (2-3 music CDs will be distributed as course material). Close analysis of the lyrics of the songs will be used to understand the language of the songs and the culture and events of the times.

Course objectives include: practice of listening and writing skills, understanding of post-war US culture in general and popular music in particular.

Lecture, video, background reading, analysis of songs and lyrics