Description
We know it when we hear it, still it remains a notoriously difficult question to answer. What is music?
In twelve 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
2016-2017, Second semester.
Lectures/workgroups take place at the Lipsiusgebouw (Cleveringaplaats 1, Leiden), room 228, on Tuesday evenings from 20.00 to 22.00 hrs.
The first lecture/workgroup is on Tuesday 28 February 2017.
The final lecture/workgroup is on Tuesday 16 May 2017.
NB: There is no class on Tuesday 14 March 2017.
Mode of instruction
Lecture/seminar
Assessment method
- Presentation (individually or in groups)
- 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-SEM2-1617FGW
Required reading
To be announced here a.s.a.p.
Contact
For further information please contact:
the Academy of Creative and Performing Arts: Dhr. ir. R.T.W.L. (Rogier) Schneemann
the teacher: Dhr. drs. H. (Hafez) Ismaili-m’Hamdi.
Registration
Register for this course via [uSis](http://usis.leidenuniv.nl/ "uSis").
For other courses in the domains of music and fine arts, please visit:
[Elective courses music and fine arts](https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/humanities/academy-of-creative-and-performing-arts/education "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.