MUS 8 - American Popular Music

    Recent Professors
    S. Solian, C. Theodosion
    Recent Semesters
    Fall 2026, Summer 2026
    Class Size
    45 students
    Credits
    3
    Fall 2026 Sections
    View Fall 2026 sections of MUS 8
    Transfers To
    UC and CSUCal-GETC Area 3A · IGETC Area 3A · CSU GE Area C1
    Description
    A historical survey of American popular music, tracing their development from roots in blues, jazz, gospel, and country music to the music of today including (but not limited to) top 40, rap, reggae, world music, heavy metal, soul and all types of rock. This course is intended to help you think creatively and critically about popular music. Themes explored will include: (1) the interaction of European American, African American, and Latin American traditions, (2) the role of popular music as an expression of racial and gender identity, and (3) the influences of mass media on popular culture.
    Usually Held
    Mon Wed 2:40pm–4:05pm, Mon Wed 2:40pm–5:50pm