History of Pop Music 01-12-26

Attendance is now a significant part of the grading system (20% of final grade).
Experience shows that attendance correlates with educational engagement.
Attendance will be recorded using an app called OneTap for self-check-in.

Students must check in within the first five minutes of class using a QR code provided on multiple slides.
Physical presence is required to check in using the app, which has geofencing technology.
Only one check-in per class session allowed per device.
Check-ins cannot be completed off-site or by another person (i.e., no buddy check-ins).
Late check-ins due to legitimate reasons must be communicated to the instructor.

Instructor expresses disdain for taking attendance due to time consumption.
Insists that unauthorized check-ins to aid other students is against university policy and can lead to disciplinary actions.

Class will cover sensitive topics related to the history of popular music, including legal and ethical considerations within the music industry.
The course will respectfully engage with the history of popular music and discuss the evolution of norms and values over time without endorsing controversial past behaviors.

Instructor, being a licensed attorney, clarifies that any legal topics discussed should not be misconstrued as personal legal advice.
Students are urged to seek their own counsel for personal legal concerns.

The discussion of historical music will include sensitive themes related to race and social dynamics.
Students are encouraged to approach discussions with open minds and critical thinking.
The instructor aims to foster independent analysis rather than impose personal beliefs.

Instructor is dual-appointed in the College of Business and School of Music at the university.
Holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing and an MBA from the university, a Juris Doctorate from another institution, and a Specialist Certificate in Music Business.
Practiced law in various contexts, primarily in transactional law rather than litigation.
Background in the music industry stemming from family involvement with a large music retail business since 1967.

Instructor encourages students to share their names, majors, years of study, musical experience, and something unique about themselves to foster classroom rapport.

Instructor welcomes questions and open discussion during the course, valuing meaningful contributions for potential extra credit.
Students are encouraged to speak up with questions and engage in thoughtful debates, particularly relating to the course material.

Course does not have prerequisites; contact information for the instructor and office hours provided.
Overall grading rubric specified: A (90-100%), B (80-89%), etc., without curving.

Course includes four exams, each contributing 15% of total grade. Discussion questions contribute remaining 20%.
Meaningful participation can earn extra credit, particularly for comments on discussion posts and classroom engagement.

Electronics are allowed for note-taking, but distractions from texting or unrelated activity are not acceptable.
Generative AI is not used in exams or for homework assignments as instructor emphasizes critical thinking.

General overview of topics includes the themes and streams of American popular music, examining eras from the founding of the country to modern times.
Exam structure accommodates weekends for completion; each exam is on the respective unit of study and non-comprehensive.
Units include a wide range of American music history, trends in music production, the evolution of technology, and shifts in cultural context.
Classes will discuss various periods critically, including the 1920s through the 2000s, with a focus on styles, social background, and the music industry's progression.