Course description
The goal of this course is to take rock seriously as a musical form. Students will explore where it came from, what formal structures it follows, and how different rock styles evolved. Students will discover how it impacted, and was influenced by, the cultural climate of each decade, from the 1950s to the present day. Lessons will focus on diverse subgenres such as early rock ‘n’ roll, blues, R&B, girl groups, the folk revival, surf, funk, soul, the British Invasion, psychedelic rock, stadium rock, early hip-hop, punk, heavy metal, MTV pop, Canadian rock and alternative rock.
Course details
Credit transfer
Have you taken this course or an equivalent course? Contact the Credit Transfer Office.
Registration dates
Not all courses are offered each term.
Spring 2026 registration opens March 2, 2026.Fall 2026 registration opens June 29, 2026.
Delivery options
In person: classes held in person on a campus/site in a classroom/lab/shop/studio for the course duration
Online - Asynchronous: 100% online delivery, no scheduled day or time course requirements with the instructor, assigned due dates
Online - Synchronous: 100% online delivery, scheduled day and time course requirements with the instructor, assigned due dates
Hybrid: any combination of in person, timetabled, on campus, online, and hyflex delivery