The course covers the history of popular music in the United States from the late 19th-century to the present day. Genres discussed include modern styles such as rock, R & B, hip-hop, folk, country, jazz, ragtime, blues, and early musical theater. A chronological study of popular styles will expose students to important songwriters and performers and show how their music was influenced by elements like racial prejudice, political events and social structures. Modern technological influences (radio, recording media, television, computers) will also be explored. Variable.