This summer marks 60 years since the release of the Beatles’ first and best feature film, A Hard Day’s Night. Through interview clips, video and pictures, this 2-session virtual course taught by Scott McLaren will chronicle the Beatles’ rise to success in their hometown of Liverpool, the explosion of Beatlemania across Britain in 1963, their subsequent conquering of the US in early 1964, all leading to their critically acclaimed first film and soundtrack. We’ll see clips from those who were involved in the film including United Artists executives, the film Producer, Director, the Beatles and others within their inner circle. Lastly, we’ll discuss and listen to song excerpts from the exclusively Lennon-McCartney soundtrack. As most things Beatles, A Hard Day’s Night remains infectious, lasting and fun.

This two-session virtual course taught by Kit O’Toole will survey some of the major artists of the Third Wave period, from the late 1970s through the 1980s and beyond. It will cover genres from punk through new wave, synth pop, rock, and much more. How does the Third Wave of the British Invasion continue to influence today’s music? The course will explore artists such as Duran Duran, Elvis Costello, the Cure, Depeche Mode, Dire Straits, Eurythmics, Psychedelic Furs, Human League, Nick Lowe, Madness, Joy Division, Howard Jones, Joe Jackson, New Order, Gary Numan, Pretenders, Style Council, and George Michael/Wham, and their impact on both British and American music. The role of MTV on the Third Wave of the British Invasion will also be discussed.