The course examines the intersection of Rock and Roll as a cultural event/site/artefact and visual culture in three different areas: 1-as a sub-genre of popular music and visual media; 2-visual and narrative depictions of social and cultural rebellion and transgression; 3-commercialization and marketing of R & R as a commodification of "the cool and the rebellious." We will also look at the roots of R & R as a musical genre and in terms of overlapping subcultures across racial and gender identities. The class will assume an expanded definition of Rock that links it to Blues, R&B, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Folk, and C&W. Screenings and readings are also mindful of the global dimensions of R & R and its depiction in cinema. Ultimately, this is a course that is intended to combine seriousness of visual studies with the joy and excitement of Rock and Roll.