Keeping up with David Bowie
Watch how, through constant reinvention, Bowie's relentless creativity set and reset the agenda for rock music throughout the 1970s and beyond.
Key course information
Date
20/11/11
Day(s)
Sun
Duration
1 week
Time
10:30 - 15:30
Fees
Full fee: £38NC
Venue
KS - Keeley Street
Course code
MD808
Availability
This course has finished
NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.
This course has finished
Still got questions?
music@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2630
Course outline
What is the course about?
Find out how David Bowie’s songs, persona and style broke with 60s values and aesthetics and largely “invented” the 70s. The first postmodern pop star, Bowie once described himself as a Xerox: this course will reveal the writers, stylists, musicians and philosophers Bowie drew upon, as well as an entire generation who were left “Bowie damaged”.
What topics will we cover?
1. Bowie’s family background and education
2. 60s career: beat groups, vaudeville, psychedelia and Space Oddity.
3. Bowie and Sci Fi (HP Lovecraft; Arthur C Clarke)
4. Glam rock: philosophy, style and content (from Hunky Dory to Diamond Dogs)
5. Bowie and sexuality
6. Bowie, Nietzsche, the Kabala and Nazism
7. “Plastic Soul”: Bowie and black music (Young Americans; Station to Station)
8. The Berlin Period: Low, “Heroes”, Lodger, Scary Monsters, Krautrock and Iggy Pop.
9. The 80s pop years
10. Bowie’s 90s and 00s Revival
11. Bowie’s music: a musicological analysis
12. Bowie’s influence: punk, new wave, 80s pop, 90s indie rock and 00s dance music.
By the end of this course you should be able to:
- Hold your own in any discussion about David Bowie.
- Have a greater understanding of his place in pop culture.
- Discover some of his inspirations.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is aimed at music lovers generally. The only skill you’ll need is an appreciation of the music of David Bowie.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will involve lecture presentations by the teacher, group discussion, plenty of video clips and music clips of both Bowie and others, plus some brief practical illustrations of music theory. There will be no work outside the class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No.
Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?
No.
What feedback will I get?
You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.
How will I be able to give my views on the course?
Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.
How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?
You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.
Who can I contact for further information?
Tel: 020 7492 2630
music@citylit.ac.ukAuditions and Advice Information
To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.
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Music
Tel: 020 7492 2630
Auditions and Advice Information
To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.
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