ABSTRACT
I titled my course ‘50 Years of the Beatles’ to emphasise why their work remains relevant today, rather than focusing solely on their years of active recording (1962–1970). My pedagogical situation is unique and thus offers contrasts to more traditional academic studies of the band. Since the mid-nineties, many colleges have sponsored weekend and evening courses geared towards non-traditional students, those twenty-five and older seeking to complete their undergraduate degrees, and retirees who simply wish to obtain that elusive BA they have always desired to earn. Although traditional students are welcome to enrol, I specifically tailor my course to the interests and needs of non-traditional students. The fact that the course focuses on the Beatles makes it especially attractive to older students. Non-traditional students often need to hone writing skills, and the written assignments consist of three reflective essays on any topic related to the Beatles. I also address diversity issues in this course—the legacy of the Beatles as it applies to the women’s movement, and the perspective of African-Americans regarding the Beatles both then and now.
