Music and Society

This course considers music in its interaction with social, technological, economic, and commercial factors. Extra-musical organizations-court, religious institution, private commission, publishing house, foundation-as well as biographical data such as the living and employment conditions of composers are studied for their impact on the musical work in the past and present. Works representing a wide range of styles will be studied in connection with their immediate social environments. Term projects will strengthen skills in research and analysis through the preparation of a major research paper and offer opportunities to enhance intensive communication capabilities through the presentation of written and oral reports.