Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill, CA
Rock History
Fall 2010
Dr. Mark Alburger
Overview
Course Information
Unit Credit:
3, Grade Code SC - grade or credit / no credit. Please decide before Week 6.
Prerequisites:
None.
Location:
M-125
Meeting Times:
W 7:00-9:50pm
Withdrawal:
It is the student's responsibility to notify the records office of a formal withdrawal.
Communication
Office:
M-127
Telephone:
(707) 474-7273
Email:
mus21stc@gmail.com
Websites:
youtube.com/user/DrMarkAlburger
markalburger.blogspot.com
markalburger2010.blogspot.com
markalburger2009.blogspot.com
markalburger2008.blogspot.com
markalburgerevents.blogspot.com
markalburgerworks.blogspot.com
markalburgermusichistory.blogspot.com
21st-centurymusic.blogspot.com
21st-centurymusic.com
facebook.com/people/Mark-Alburger/546460824
myspace.com/markalburger
goathall.org
sfcco.org
Office Hours:
MTWTh 1:45-2:45pm by appointment
W evenings after class
Texts
Online:
markalburgermusichistory.blogspot.com (Music History - selected chapters)
Traditional:
John Covach. What's that Sound: An Introduction to Rock and Its History.
Glenn Appell. A History of Popular Music.
Materials
No. 2 pencils
8.5" x 11" 12-line music manuscript paper (loose-leaf or notebook)
Computer access, and music notation software program (the latter optional)
Course Description
A history of rock from its beginnings to the present.
Objectives
To develop an appreciation of the historical and musical aspects of rock in the context of the larger realms of art and the universe.
Grading and Evaluation (point scale)
Daily Attendance / Participation (2000)
Weekly Quizzes / Exam (2000)
Compositions / Reviews / Class Teaching (1000)
Score Legend
90-100% / A
80-89% / B
70-79% / C
60-69% / D
0-59% / F
DVC Music Technology Center
Frequent use of tutorials via the absolutely wonderful DVC Music Technology Center (MTC) is encouraged -- 15 minutes per day are recommended -- 700 minutes per semester are expected.
Concert Attendance
Students are required to attend two concerts per semester. At least one should be by the DVC music department and one (not necessarily the same presentation) primarily of Rock. Reviews of each event will identify the concert (who, what, when, and where), and comment on salient elements. The first review will be due by mid-term; the second by the week before the final.
Reviews should have a:
Title
Lede Sentence
Basic News Facts
Good Mechanics / Style (endeavor to avoid 1st person)
Perceptive Content
For example formats, feel free to check reviews at
The New York Times
San Francisco Chronicle
21st-Century Music (21st-centurymusic.blogspot.com)
etc.
Late Assignments
There will be a 10% grade penalty on all assignments up to a week late. Assignments more than one week late will receive a failing grade. Only quizzes missed due to excused absences may be made up. Such quizzes must be made up within one week or receive a failing grade.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all class meetings. Required texts only supplement class meetings. Thus, attendance to all class meetings is essential to the successful completion of the course. Poor attendance has always resulted in a poor grade, while excellent attendance has always been a prerequisite to an excellent grade. Students who miss more than two weeks of class may be dropped without notice. Students who need to take a leave of absence during the term should ask a counselor for a petition and then receive written approval from the Instructor and the Dean of Students. Leaves of absence are limited to ten instructional days.
Academic Dishonesty
Students found cheating or plagiarizing will be subject to Student Code of Conduct disciplinary procedures. Please refer to the Diablo Valley College Catalog.
Artistic Borrowing
Students found borrowing, gridding, modeling, or troping will be congratulated. Please refer to the history of art, the universe, and everything.
Syllabus
Week 1
Blues
Week 2
Dixieland
Week 3
Swing
Week 4
Bebop
Week 5
Cool
Week 6
Country Music
Week 7
Rhythm and Blues
Week 8
Rock and Roll / Soul
Week 9
The Beatles / Rolling Stones
Week 10
British Invasion / Folk Rock
Week 11
Motown Pop / Southern Soul / Psychedelia
Week 12
Art Rock
Week 13
Black Pop / Disco
Week 14
Punk / New Wave
Week 15
MTV / Heavy Metal
Week 16
Rap / Alternative Rock
Week 17
90's Rock
Week 18
Recent Rock