From patriotic anthems to protest songs, music has always told the story of America. This course explores U.S. history through the sounds that shaped it—spirituals born from slavery, the jazz and blues of the Great Migration, the rock ’n’ roll of postwar youth, and the hip hop that gives voice to new generations. Along the way, we’ll connect major moments in American history to the music they inspired, discovering how songs have reflected struggles, celebrated victories, and united people for 250 years.