4.8
stars
1,096 ratings

John Covach

58,170 already enrolled

Offered By

History of Rock, Part One

University of Rochester

About this Course

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This course, part 1 of a 2-course sequence, examines the history of rock, primarily as it unfolded in the United States, from the days before rock (pre-1955) to the end of the 1960s. This course covers the music of Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Phil Spector, Bob Dylan, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, and many more artists, with an emphasis both on cultural context and on the music itself. We will also explore how developments in the music business and in technology helped shape the ways in which styles developed. 
Rock emerged in the mid 1950s as a blending of mainstream pop, rhythm and blues, and country and western--styles that previously had remained relatively separate. This new style became the music of the emerging youth culture and was often associated with teen rebellion. We will follow the story of how this rowdy first wave of rock and roll (1955-59) was tamed in the early 60s but came roaring back with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and then went psychedelic by the end of the decade.

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Includes hands on learning projects.

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Approx. 13 hours to complete

English

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Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Approx. 13 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.81/5 (177 Ratings)

John Covach

Professor of Music and Director

Institute for Popular Music

98,909 Learners

4 Courses

Offered by

University of Rochester

The University of Rochester is one of the nation's leading private universities. Located in Rochester, N.Y., the University provides exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty through its unique cluster-based curriculum. Its College, School of Arts and Sciences, and Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences are complemented by its Eastman School of Music, Simon School of Business, Warner School of Education, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, School of Nursing, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, and the Memorial Art Gallery.

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating97%(6,428 ratings)

Week1

Week 1

1 hour to complete

Introduction

1 hour to complete

1 video (Total 4 min), 7 readings

2 hours to complete

The World Before Rock and Roll (1900-1955)

2 hours to complete

11 videos (Total 95 min)

11 videos

The Music Business in the First Half of the 20th Century7mRadio and Regional vs National Audiences8mThe Stars of Pop Music Before Rock and Roll12mLes Paul, Inventor - The Role of Technology6mOrigins of Country & Western (pre WWII)9mThe Rise of Nashville13mRhythm and Blues (Pre 1945)7mRhythm & Blues (Post 1945)11mRegional R&B Radio in the 1950s6mDoo Wop and Gospel6mHokum Blues and Sexual Lyrics5m

Week2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

The Birth and First Flourishing of Rock and Roll (1955-59)

2 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 88 min)

Week3

Week 3

1 hour to complete

The Demise of Rock and the Promise of Soul (1959-63)

1 hour to complete

9 videos (Total 81 min)

Week4

Week 4

2 hours to complete

The Beatles and the British Invasion (1964-66)

2 hours to complete

10 videos (Total 83 min)

10 videos

Introduction3mThe Early 1960s in the US & UK11mThe Rise of the Beatles11mBeatles as Students of American Pop Music5mBeatles From Craftsmen to Artists9mBlues in the UK4mThe Rolling Stones Emerge7mThe Stones in The States5mOther British Bands10mThe Kinks and the Who12m

1 practice exercise

The Demise of Rock and the Promise of Soul (1959-63) and The Beatles and the British Invasion (16964-66)30m

Reviews

4.8

318 reviews

5 stars
85.06%
4 stars
13.20%
3 stars
0.81%
2 stars
0.36%
1 star
0.54%

TOP REVIEWS FROM HISTORY OF ROCK, PART ONE

by LCJan 11, 2021

A cool overview of the History of Rock - Artists, producers, social environment. A nice way to learn about history expressed through music and culture. Very good teacher!

by SMOct 1, 2016

This course has really helped to fill out my piecemeal understanding of the development of rock music. The pace and content of learning has been well considered and Prof Covach is to be congratulated.

by ADSep 7, 2017

I had a great time learning in the course! The professor did a great job in educating and providing an unbiased history of rock music. I had a lot of fun!! Ready for Pt II!!!

by GKFeb 1, 2016

Must know for anyone that is interested in where all (most) current/popular music stems from. Explains origins of most American/European music genres.

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History of Rock, Part One

History of Rock, Part One

About this Course