History of Popular Music (HOP)

Explore the sounds that shaped American music as we know it today. From ragtime and jazz to rock, hip-hop, and digital streaming, this course dives into the people, stories, and technologies behind popular music and connects them to your world today. Check here for class updates, assignments, listening links, and resources as we trace the beat of American history together. The course traces American popular music from the late 1800s to present day. We will explore music history by decade rather than by genre to better understand how the many strands of American popular music influence one another.