Camosun's own school of rock
Photo by Naomi Kavka.
The Continuing Education Department at Camosun is known for offering some zany classes and is proud to bring us another—the History of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
The course, which began Feb. 9 and ends March 16, will cover many of the events that made rock what it is today.
According to instructor James Martens, the course has a more casual style of learning, as opposed to lectures and tests, and, of course, has some rockin’ subject matter.
“I want the students to tell me what they think; why this certain song reminds them of this moment. Instead of hearing lectures on why this happened and how it affected society at that time, I want them to create their own history of rock ‘n’ roll through this course,” says Martens.
From loving the Clash to living next door to Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy, Martens’ past has been filled with music, making him the perfect candidate to teach this course.
Having previously taught the History of Rock ‘n’ Roll in Alberta, Martens came out of retirement to teach it again.
He hopes the course will become popular and a recurring feature on the Camosun Continuing Education schedule.
Martens also plans to branch off into other decades of music, such as the ’70s disco/punk era, or teach a class on the history of the blues.
Offering courses that the general public will enjoy, or be intrigued enough to come back to school without a lot of pressure, is something the Continuing Education Department prides itself in.
“After taking this course, you will never be the same,” says Toni Burton, program coordinator for Continuing Education and Contract Training. “Martens has such a passion for music and we’re really happy to have him teach here this year.”
The goal is, by the end of the course, each student will help build a 30-page document of the class’ own history of rock ‘n’ roll.
“The class won’t be Trivial Pursuit, it won’t be trivia games, you can go to a bar and do that for a lot less,” says Martens. “History is about sharing ideas.”
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