Students 'twist and shout' to learn about 1960s rock music

Rock music was something raw and rebellious 50 years ago, and now it is the subject of an in-depth course at the University of Richmond's School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

By day, Richard Barton Campbell is a judge in Richmond's Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Out of the robes, he is a passionate and knowledgeable fan of 1960s music. Along with writing liner notes for more than 25 re-releases of albums from The Mamas and the Papas and the band's individual members, Campbell also maintains an extensive archive website (www.casselliot.com) devoted to The Mamas and the Papas singer Cass Elliot.

Starting this semester, he is the instructor for Survey of Rock Music of the 1960s, an 8-week, 16-hour study of the decade's sounds and musicians.

"It seemed like a great fit for what we are trying to do," said Mary Catherine Raymond, program manager for the SPCS' noncredit courses. The goal of the Noncredit Programs is to cover topics of interest to both the community and university students, she said. The class is being offered to undergraduates at no charge.

"Musically, it's the place where a lot of genres and styles and traditions blend," Campbell said of what appeals to him about the turbulent decade's music.

A 1993 graduate of the UR School of Law, Campbell has previously helped teach SPCS courses in criminal law and popular music. His course is being offered again next semester, he said, and he's glad to have the support of the university.

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