Prospectus

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What is music? ‘From Plato to Pussy Riot’

Course
2017-2018

Description

We know it when we hear it, still it remains a notoriously difficult question to answer. What is music?

In eleven lectures/seminars we will seek to answer this question by exploring the role of music in society through history.
What did the Ancient Greeks mean with music as ‘ethos’ and do we share similar intuitions when we take offense at profanities in gangster rap or metal?
What are the commonalities between Beethoven’s ‘Alle Menschen werden Brüder’ and Queen’s ‘We are the champions’?

Should music entertain us, move us, elevate us, be a religious or spiritual experience? Perhaps it should do all or perhaps it should be free from the burden of serving a goal.

Course objectives

The blend of philosophy and history will offer you the opportunity to formulate your own answer to the question ‘What is Music?’.

Timetable and location

2017-2018, First semester.

Lectures/workgroups take place at the Lipsiusgebouw (Cleveringaplaats 1, Leiden), room 228, on Wednesday evenings from 20.00 to 22.00 hrs.

The first lecture/workgroup is on Wednesday 13 September 2017.
The final lecture/workgroup is on Wednesday 6 December 2017.

NB: There is no class on Wednesday 25 October and Wednesday 1 November 2017.
NB2: On Wednesday 20 September, the meeting will be in a different location: Lipsius 227.

Guest lecture: On Wednesday 8 November, philosopher/lecturer Tom Dommisse will give a guest lecture.

Mode of instruction

Lecture/seminar

Assessment method

  1. Presentation (individually or in groups)
    1. Essay

Essay: You will be asked to formulate a main question related to the question, ‘what is music?’ or ‘what is the role of music in society?’ You will argue for and against your claims using at least four (two pro and two contra) philosophers or ideas/theories. The presentation will be an opportunity to present your ideas to your peers.

Essay requirement Bachelor students: 4,000 word minimum;
Essay requirement Master students: 6,000 word minimum.

Blackboard

Yes.
Blackboard course ID: 5100KM02W-SEM1-1718FGW

Required reading

To be announced here a.s.a.p.

Contact

For further information please contact:

Registration

Register for this course via uSis.

For other courses in the domains of music and fine arts, please visit:
Elective courses music and fine arts

What is music? The role of music in society through history, ‘From Plato to Pussy Riot’ is open for, among others, all Leiden University (guest-)students and to all Master students of the Royal Conservatoire.