In this semester-long elective students will learn about an important genre of contemporary music, rock and roll, and be able to place rock music into a cultural, social, political and historical context. The course will cover several styles and trends in rock, and through these trends, students will examine music’s impact on society not only in North America, but on a global scale. Starting by examining rock’s blues, soul, country and gospel roots, students will explore the corporate, social and political impacts of popular music from the ‘Big Bang’ of the 1950s up to modern day. The goal of this course is to enhance student’s understanding, appreciation, and ability to discuss historical contexts through the lens of popular music.