American Studies: Rock the Runway

COURSE DESCRIPTION

From blues and gospel to hip hop and electronic music, American popular music and fashion have always gone together like denim and leather. Ever wondered how hip hop came to embrace Timberland work boots? Ever wonder why punk rockers safety pin their jackets or shave their heads? Is there an American sound when it comes to rock and roll? Is it true that country music lacks diversity? How does immigration change American pop music and fashion?
Rock the Runway digs through the myths and examines the cultural history of American popular music and fashion from the 1930’s to today. Learn the history behind the iconic looks of Elvis, Dolly Parton, the Ramones, Madonna, Nirvana, Tupac, Kacey Musgraves, Lady Gaga, Green Day, Janelle Monáe, Cardi B and more.

ONLINE FORMAT

This class will consist of readings, videos and assignments posted on Google Classroom and a few scheduled Zoom sessions (Zoom is a video conference app). Both of these platforms are free and easy to use. You will be invited to join Google Classroom about a week before class starts. Check your junk mailbox, as invitations to join Google Classroom sometimes end up there. Please make sure you register for the course with a valid email address, since this is where you will receive an invitation notification to join Google Classroom. Your email has to be Google Classroom compatible, so it’s best if you use gmail, hotmail or yahoo. If you do not receive a notification, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to contact us.

There is NO pre-assignment for the online class. You might however be asked by your instructor, a few days in advance, to prepare a little bit for the first zoom meeting. The course syllabus, all readings and assignments will be posted on Google Classroom before the first zoom meeting.

You will attend the Zoom sessions by going to zoom.us and clicking “Join Meeting.” You will then enter a meeting ID number that will be provided to you. You can join via a computer, iPad or phone! We would prefer to see you, but if you do not have a camera on your computer, that’s ok. You can join via audio only. There is also an option to call in from your phone, in case your computer audio has any trouble connecting.

ASSIGNMENTS AND COMPLETION CERTIFICATE

All assignments must be completed in order to receive your course completion certificate. Course completion certificates will be emailed to everyone, a few days after the deadline of all assignments. If you need your certificate earlier, please let us know and we can email it to you as soon as you complete all assignments.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance during the scheduled Zoom sessions is mandatory and we will be taking attendance! If you do not attend these, you will not receive a course completion certificate. Other than the Zoom sessions, you will be free to work whenever you want, at your own pace. You will have 4 weeks to complete all course requirements.

Zoom Sessions:

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL TIMES ARE SCHEDULED IN EASTERN TIME (NYC). PLEASE CHECK ON THE MAP WHERE YOU ARE, AND MAKE SURE YOU ATTEND THE ZOOM SESSIONS ON TIME!
Saturday 9:00 – 10:30 AM ET
Sunday 6:00 – 7:00 PM ET

$250 | **ONLINE** | 36 hours (equivalent to 3 credits)

Saturday 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Eastern Time
Sunday 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Eastern Time

Zoom meetings are mandatory and only take place on the first weekend of class. (One weekend)

Click the register button below to see dates and more information.

Contact Information

Office of Continuing Education
161 Newkirk Street, Room E504
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 360-4224
CEFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE