Required Text
American Popular Music, Starr & Waterman, 6th ed. Additional readings are provided throughout the term.
MUH-3633 · Fall 2026 · Stereo
Music
in the
United
States
A historical and critical study of music-making in the United States — from spirituals and blues to jazz, country, rock ’n’ roll, and hip-hop.
- Meets
- MWF 10:30–11:20 a.m.
- Room
- PAC M261
- Instructor
- Dr. Melissa Scott
The Series — 14 Weeks
Foundations
WKS 01–04
Introduces course frameworks and develops vocabulary for close listening and historical interpretation. Topics include spirituals, blues, ballads, standards, and critical approaches to popular music.
- MUH-3633·01What Is America’s Music?
- MUH-3633·02Spirituals & Blues
- MUH-3633·03Ballads & Standards
- MUH-3633·04Adorno & Listening Quiz 1
Jazz & Country
WKS 05–08
Examines the historical development of jazz and country music, with attention to recording, migration, race, region, commercial categories, and stylistic change.
- MUH-3633·05Jazz
- MUH-3633·06Jazz, continued
- MUH-3633·07Listening Quiz 2 & Early Country
- MUH-3633·08Country, Bluegrass & Country Pop
Rock, Pop & Hip-Hop
WKS 09–11
Traces major changes in popular music from rock ’n’ roll through early hip-hop, including production, media, performance, genre, and debates about authenticity.
- MUH-3633·09Listening Quiz 3 & Rock ’n’ Roll to Led Zeppelin
- MUH-3633·10Pop & Hip-Hop
- MUH-3633·11Review, Listening Quiz 4 & Archival Exercises Begin
Archives
WKS 12–14
Applies course methods to archival recordings and documentation. Students consider metadata, historical context, institutional description, and the interpretation of recorded sound.
- MUH-3633·12Archival Exercises, Continued
- MUH-3633·13Archival Exercises
- MUH-3633·14Archival Exercises, Continued & Final Review
Week pages are posted here as the term progresses. For weeks 3 onward, check WebCourses for readings, slides, and assignment details.
Policies at a Glance
Technology Requirement
Students must bring a laptop, tablet, or smartphone with internet access to every class meeting. In-class assignments are completed during class and submitted through WebCourses, or at times in hard copy.
Late Work and Make-Ups
Extensions and make-up work require an excused absence or other documented circumstances. Contact the instructor as early as possible.
Use of AI Tools
Unless an assignment states otherwise, AI tools may support brainstorming and basic copyediting, but submitted work must reflect your own analysis and writing.
Consult the syllabus in WebCourses for complete policies, procedures, and university-required statements.