MUSC 254G Queen and British Popular Music of the 1970s and 80s

Using primary and secondary literature and audiovisual sources, the seminar examines selected issues and topics related to 1970s/80s British popular music, with a specific focus on the rock group Queen. The seminar takes a multi-faceted approach to the group’s musical oeuvre with topics related to vocality, performativity, hybridity, and masculinity, as well as Queen’s contribution to the rock anthem and their appropriation of “grand” opera. Students undertake research relating to British popular music in the 1970s/80s, and present their work in scholarly presentations and research papers.