Overview
In this unit you will study the history and cultural development of contemporary popular music from 1950 to the end of the 1960s. Your studies will focus on prominent composers, musicians, producers, bands and their repertoire; important forms and instruments; aural characteristics of the music, as well as the technological, sociological and political events that influenced musical trends during this period.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2021
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student evaluation data
The unit evaluations offered no suggestions for improvement.
Review all learning resources and assessment tasks with a view to improving the student experience.
- Describe the important musical, structural and aural characteristics of contemporary popular music from 1950 until the end of the 1960s
- Describe the contribution of significant composers, musicians, producers and bands to the development of contemporary popular music from 1950 until the end of the 1960s
- Contextualise the principal stylistic trends of contemporary popular music within the important social and political movements from 1950 to the end of the 1960s
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | |
1 - Written Assessment - 30% | |||
2 - Written Assessment - 30% | |||
3 - Written Assessment - 40% |
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | |
1 - Communication | |||
2 - Problem Solving | |||
3 - Critical Thinking | |||
4 - Information Literacy | |||
5 - Team Work | |||
6 - Information Technology Competence | |||
7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||
8 - Ethical practice | |||
9 - Social Innovation | |||
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures |
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
1 - Written Assessment - 30% | ||||||||||
2 - Written Assessment - 30% | ||||||||||
3 - Written Assessment - 40% |
Textbooks
What's that sound? : an introduction to rock and its history
Edition: 5th edn (2018)
Authors: Covach
W. W. Norton
New York New York , NY , United States
ISBN: 9780393624144
Binding: Paperback
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
d.reaston@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Unit introduction
Chapter
Covach, John, & Flory, Andrew. (2018). What's that sound? : An introduction to rock and its history (Fifth ed.). New York, N.Y.: WW Norton & Company Incorporated. Introduction Chapter.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
The Origins of Rock and Roll
Chapter
Covach, John, & Flory, Andrew. (2018). What's that sound? : An introduction to rock and its history (Fifth ed.). New York, N.Y.: WW Norton & Company Incorporated. Chapter 1.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
The Golden Age of Rock and Roll
Chapter
Covach, John, & Flory, Andrew. (2018). What's that sound? : An introduction to rock and its history (Fifth ed.). New York, N.Y.: WW Norton & Company Incorporated. Chapter 2.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Rockabilly
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
The Brill Building
Chapter
Covach, John, & Flory, Andrew. (2018). What's that sound? : An introduction to rock and its history (Fifth ed.). New York, N.Y.: WW Norton & Company Incorporated. Chapter 3.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Early 60s Rock
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
The British Invasion
Chapter
Covach, John, & Flory, Andrew. (2018). What's that sound? : An introduction to rock and its history (Fifth ed.). New York, N.Y.: WW Norton & Company Incorporated. Chapter 4.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
60s Folk and Pop
Chapter
Covach, John, & Flory, Andrew. (2018). What's that sound? : An introduction to rock and its history (Fifth ed.). New York, N.Y.: WW Norton & Company Incorporated. Chapter 5.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Garage Rock
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Motown
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Southern Soul/Stax and Atlantic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Psychedelic Rock
Chapter
Covach, John, & Flory, Andrew. (2018). What's that sound? : An introduction to rock and its history (Fifth ed.). New York, N.Y.: WW Norton & Company Incorporated. Chapter 7.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
Length: 1000 words* + 2 Listening Guides
Task
Choose one song that was first recorded in the 1950s and has been re-recorded by another artist in the same or different decade. This song can not be one covered in unit material or in the text book (Covach, John, & Flory, Andrew. (2018). What's that sound? : An introduction to rock and its history (Fifth ed.). New York: WW Norton & Company Incorporated.).
Once you have found the recording of the song in its earliest form and a different recording (cover) of this song by a different artist, complete the tasks below:
A: Using the unit text book as a guide, create a ‘Listening Guide’ (see page 9 of text book) for each of the two songs (original and cover). The listening guide should include:
- Name of artist; title of song; catalogue number and brief description
- The form of the song
- The time-signature(s) used
- The instrumentation used
- A time structure marking each main event
- A link to song online (YouTube, SoundCloud etc.).
B: Using the Listening Guides you have created, write 900 words comparing the cover to the original recording of the song. Make sure to:
- Compare the instrumentation of the cover to the original
- Compare the use of lead and backing vocals of the cover to the original
- Discuss any other stylistic and musical changes made of the cover from the original.
Assessment submission and presentation
Your assessment must be submitted as a Microsoft Word Document (.docx) and:
- Must use 12 point Times New Roman font
- Must use 1.5 spacing for the body of the assignment
- Include your name and student number on each page as part of a header or footer
- May use sub-headings to organise your assignment clearly
- Must adhere to the CQUniversity APA Style Guide.
*The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Week 4 Monday (29 Mar 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 6 Monday (19 Apr 2021)
-
Appropriate description of relevant song information (6%)
- Appropriate description of form (5%)
- Appropriate description of time-signature (4%)
- Appropriate description of the instrumentation used (10%)
- Appropriate description of structure of song including key events (15%)
- Appropriateness of introduction and conclusion (10%)
- Depth of treatment of discussion on instrumentation in originals & covers (10%)
- Depth of treatment of discussion on lead and backing vocals in originals & covers (10%)
- Evidence of understanding of stylistic and musical changes from original to each cover (10%)
- Depth of treatment of discussion on achievement made by each of the different covers (10%)
- Accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar; clarity of writing style (5%)
- Meeting delivery requirements (presentation, word count*, style guide) (5%)
*The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Describe the important musical, structural and aural characteristics of contemporary popular music from 1950 until the end of the 1960s
- Describe the contribution of significant composers, musicians, producers and bands to the development of contemporary popular music from 1950 until the end of the 1960s
- Contextualise the principal stylistic trends of contemporary popular music within the important social and political movements from 1950 to the end of the 1960s
2 Written Assessment
Length: 1000 words* + 2 Listening Guides
Task
Choose two contrasting songs that were recorded/released by the Beatles from different periods in their history: one song from the period of 1962-1964 and the other song from the period of 1967-1969. These songs can not be ones covered in unit material or in the text book (Covach, John, & Flory, Andrew. (2018). What's that sound? : An introduction to rock and its history (Fifth ed.). New York: WW Norton & Company Incorporated.).
Find recordings of these two songs to complete the tasks below:
A: Using the unit text book as a guide, create a ‘Listening Guide’ (see page 9 of text book) for each song. The listening guide should include:
- Name of artist; title of song; catalogue number and brief description
- The form of the song
- The time-signature(s) used
- The instrumentation used
- A time structure marking each main event
- A link to the song online (YouTube, SoundCloud etc.).
B: Using the Listening Guides you have created, write a 1000 word essay comparing the two songs. Make sure to:
- Compare the lyric content and structure
- Compare the instrumentation in each song
- Discuss any stylistic changes made between the two periods
- Discuss any other musical changes made between the two periods.
Assessment submission and presentation
Your assessment must be submitted as a Microsoft Word Document (.docx) and:
- Must use 12 point Times New Roman font
- Must use 1.5 spacing for the body of the assignment
- Include your name and student number on each page as part of a header or footer
- May use sub-headings to organise your assignment clearly
- Must adhere to the CQUniversity APA Style Guide.
*The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Week 7 Tuesday (27 Apr 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 10 Tuesday (18 May 2021)
- Appropriate description of relevant song information (6%)
- Appropriate description of form (5%)
- Appropriate description of time-signature (4%)
- Appropriate description of the instrumentation used (10%)
- Appropriate description of the structure of song including key events (15%)
-
Appropriateness of introduction and conclusion (10%)
Depth of treatment of discussion on lyric content and structure (10%) - Depth of treatment of discussion on instrumentation in each song (8%)
- Evidence of understanding of stylistic and musical changes between the two periods (12%)
- Depth of treatment of discussion on other musical changes made between the two periods (10%)
- Accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar; clarity of writing style (5%)
- Meeting delivery requirements (presentation, word count*, style guide) (5%)
*The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Describe the important musical, structural and aural characteristics of contemporary popular music from 1950 until the end of the 1960s
- Describe the contribution of significant composers, musicians, producers and bands to the development of contemporary popular music from 1950 until the end of the 1960s
- Contextualise the principal stylistic trends of contemporary popular music within the important social and political movements from 1950 to the end of the 1960s
3 Written Assessment
Length: 2000-2500 words*
Choose one of the following topics:
1. Race, genre and Rock and Roll
Discuss how rock and roll during the 1950s and 1960s broke down the social and racial barriers between black and white Americans and the barriers between rhythm-and-blues, country and pop genres. Support your argument with examples from primary sources: text and music where appropriate.
2. 1960s Protest Music
Discuss how popular music during the 1960's provided an avenue for protest about political and social issues. Make specific references to songs, writers and performers who used their music to protest about injustice. Include examples from across the decade and a discussion on how the lyrics, musical and performance style and popular appeal supported the particular cause. Support your argument with examples from primary sources: text and music where appropriate.
Assessment submission and presentation
Your assessment must be submitted as a Microsoft Word Document (.docx) and:
- Must use 12 point Times New Roman font
- Must use 1.5 spacing for the body of the assignment
- Include your name and student number on each page as part of a header or footer
- May use sub-headings to organise your assignment clearly
- Must adhere to the CQUniversity APA Style Guide.
*The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Review/Exam Week Monday (7 June 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
After the completion of assessent.
- Appropriateness of introduction (10%)
- Relevance of material (10%)
- Logical material progression (10%)
- Development of argument or theme (10%)
- Use of primary sources to support argument or theme (10%)
- Synthesis of information (5%)
- Appropriateness of conclusion (5%)
Reference list:
- Referencing system precision (10%)
- Ability to reference sources in the body of the text (10%)
- Evidence of wide reading (5%)
General points:
- Accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar; clarity of writing style (10%)
- Meeting delivery requirements (presentation, word count*, style guide) (5%)
*The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Describe the important musical, structural and aural characteristics of contemporary popular music from 1950 until the end of the 1960s
- Describe the contribution of significant composers, musicians, producers and bands to the development of contemporary popular music from 1950 until the end of the 1960s
- Contextualise the principal stylistic trends of contemporary popular music within the important social and political movements from 1950 to the end of the 1960s
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.