Learning to the Hits (B2): Lyrics, Music, and Cultural Memory

Why does one song stay with us for decades while another suddenly captures a whole new generation? In this course, we explore English-language songs from diff erent eras and look at what gives them their emotional power and cultural impact.Together we listen closely to lyrics, recordings, and selected video material while discussing the stories, moods, ideas, and historical moments behind the music. Texts are provided. This semester’s selections range from classic artists ofthe 1960s–80s to newer voices such as Adele and Billie Eilish.