Course Description: "The Beatles" was the most multi-faceted phenomenon of popular culture of the last forty years. This course examines "The Beatles" from many different perspective, sometimes complementary and sometimes contradictory. Through the focus on "The Beatles" the class will explore perspectives and beliefs about rock music and popular culture.
Topics include: Beatlemania and the women's movement, the impact of technology on the recording studio, "the summer of love," the Beatles' relationship to the avant gard, "The Beatles" as pop icons, the meanings of "love" in popular culture, reactions of the press to John Lennon and Yoko Ono, the pop music business and Apple Records, "hidden messages" and the supposed death of Paul McCartney, and more.
Supporting Materials: Beatlesongs by William J. Dowlding available from Norris, a bound set of articles taken from many diverse sources is available from Quartet, Beatle movies and documentaries are available at Mitchell Media Center in the Main Library, and Beatle recordings are available at Listening Center of the Music Library.
When is it offered? The class is typically offered during the Spring quarter and is scheduled from 12:30 to 2 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is also often offered as a three-week summer school class and is sometimes available through University College.
How do I get in? For summer school and University College, register in the usual way. If you want to take this class during the spring quarter, write a letter/memo to Prof. Kendall before spring registration. Your letter should describe why you want to take the class and what you bring to the class. You don't have to be a Beatles fanatic already. You don't even have to know the Beatles' names! (Preference is given to students with academic majors relevant to the class such as American studies, RTVF, audio engineering, etc.) Registration in the class is only by permission of instructor.