MUSC 118 - Heavy Metal: Music and Culture

3 Credit Hours
Now over 40 years old, Heavy Metal continues to reflect the hopes and fears of its audience - especially its fears - and has sparked more controversy and heated debate than any other genre. We will examine the music itself along with its cultural context; issues such as the impact of music on its listeners, censorship and freedom of expression, the role of women (as fans, artists, and objects of misogyny), sexual liberation, fear of nuclear holocaust, and witchcraft/Satanism will figure prominently. We will examine Metal’s emergence around 1970 in bands such as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, then study styles and issues from the 70’s to the present. Bands covered include Judas Priest, Scorpions, Kiss, Iron Maiden, Venom, Motley Crue, Anthrax, Cannibal Corpse and Cradle of Filth.

Course Attributes: Creative Perspectives

Levels: Undergraduate

College of Arts & Sciences Music & Theatre