By the end of the course, students should be able to:
- adopt an analytical approach to a musical theme (for example analyzing the different expressions or manifestations of a particular theme throughout the history of music);
- have effective use of the tools of musicological research (musical sources, musicological literature, archives);
- understand the modern-day musical environment in all its manifestations;
- understand how Musicology extends into the fields of History, Sociology and Communication.
Main themes
This course adopts a seminar-style format and themes vary from year to year. As a result, the course description is drawn up annually, in relation to the theme chosen for that year. Certain factors remain constant however:
- a traditional lecture-style presentation is used to introduce the theme, at which time students are given lecture notes and other course material;
- use is made of audiovisual material and information and communication technology;
- Students participate actively through some individual and (mostly) group-based exercises;
- The work is intended to lead to insights into the field, definition and methods of modern musicology.
Content and teaching methods
Understanding and analyzing present day soud and music environment through its various means of expression : recording, radio, TV, film, applied music distribution (Muzak), advertising, multimedia, internet (downloading), performing concerts, street music, etc. The lecture emphasizes the links between music and mass communication tools.