Music 280: Introduction to the Study of Western Music History

Course Description:

A study of music history and style to 1600 from the perspective of social, cultural, and philosophical contexts, emphasizing the development of listening, score reading, research, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Course Objectives and Expected Learning Outcomes:

This course is an introduction and historical survey of the major composers, works, and stylistic developments in Western art music from the Middle Ages to the end of the Renaissance era. Our class will begin with the likely foreign, but exciting sounds medieval music and will conclude with the complexities of polyphonic music of the late Renaissance. We will explore how composers, and their compositional output, interact with relevant social, cultural, theological, intellectual, and political contexts. The chronological and geographical focus of the course is Western Europe although, as we shall see, origins and influences range far beyond Europe.

Throughout the course, students will develop critical thinking, critical listening, score analysis, and research skills. By the end of the course, students will be able to discuss a variety of definitions of— and approaches to—understanding medieval and Renaissance music. This course is designed as a combination of lecture and class discussion—your engagement and discussion is encouraged. I expect each student to come to class prepared and ready to discuss the required readings and musical examples. Your active participation engagement with the class material is crucial for both a vibrant class experience and your overall success.

Course Format:

The objectives of this course will be learned from a combination of lectures, group activities, reading, listening, and viewing assignments. Due to COVID-19, we will meet via ZOOM during regular class hours.

Terms Taught:

Winter 2021

University of Alberta