Courses

Introductory explorations of topics in music history (encompassing art, popular, and folk musics) approached through musicological and interdisciplinary lenses and addressing historical change over time. The topic may address a specific composer, group, movement, era, or genre, or a particular theme or issue in music history. Promotes skills in historical thinking, interpretation, awareness of social/cultural influences on music, writing, and critical thinking. May be offered as a W. No prerequisites.

Fall Semester information

290A: Musicology Topics:America's Maestro: Leonard Bernstein's 20th Century

This course explores the crossroads of music, politics, and culture through the fascinating life of Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990). Known worldwide as an iconic composer, conductor, and public intellectual, Bernstein's work and activism put him at the heart of major artistic movements and social debates across the mid-20th century. In this course, we'll explore Bernstein's compositions and writings, grappling with him as both a brilliant artist and a flawed human being. We'll meet his wide circle of friends (and some enemies), which included many influential creative and political figures of the era. We will investigate the endemic inequalities of the music world concerning race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. You will gain a sharper perspective of artists¿ power to reflect and shape society and a deeper understanding of the era's cultural and political landscape. As an S course, assignments will emphasize formal and informal presentations and discussion.

290B: Musicology Topics:Music and the Vietnam War

During and after the American War in Vietnam, diverse musical artists responded to the conflict and the cultural rupture it created. This course explores musical activity related to the Vietnam War from many angles: protest music and pro-war propaganda in the U.S., music by and for American military forces, and traditional and contemporary Vietnamese music. We will study music from styles ranging from postmodern, experimental, and art music to folk, country, jazz, rock, Broadway musicals, and film. We will pay special attention to how music intersects with race, class, gender, and generational identities. The course will also consider how Americans have remembered and tried to make sense of the Vietnam War in the fifty years since it ended. Through the lens of music, we will come to terms with the political and cultural history of the Vietnam War, the legacy of which continues to shape present-day politics and culture in the United States. As a W course, we will practice research, writing, and revising.

Spring Semester information

290A: Musicology Topics: From Sousa to Swift

290B: Musicology Topics: Jazz and America