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| The Beatles were one of the most important cultural phenomena of the 20th century. They set fashion and recording standards, and enunciated a world view for millions that was at once optimistic and escapist. More importantly, they redefined popular music. In particular, Lennon and McCartney established themselves as two of the West's most important songwriters. | ||||
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Beatles Seminar Structure Students will compare specific issues and events as addressed in (a) biograpies by Hunter Davies (1968), Philip Norman (1981), and Allan Kozinn (1995) and (b) The Complete Beatles Chronicle by Mark Lewisohn (1992) and the Anthology (2000) compiled by the remaining Beatles with Neil Aspinal. After examiming transcriptions by Fujita et al. (1989), students will present analyses of selected examples of the Beatles' music, comparing their analyses with those of by Walter Everett (1999, 2001). The seminar will form "groups" of 4 or 5 students who will research specific topics and present their findings for each class meeting. Students will submit a short weekly essay discussing some specific issued raised in class that week. [Essays are due via the submission page (see below) by 12 noon each Saturday.] Students will also research a specific aspect of the music of the Beatles and present their findings to the seminar. Each week, the seminar will view various films and the ten-hour video, The Beatles Anthology at Monday evening sessions in Emerson Auditorium (friends and guests welcome). The class will also have visits from special guests. |
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| Prerequisite: MU 241 or permission of instructor, Gordon Thompson. |
