Sociology and Dissemination of Music : from the 19th century to the Present and Media Musicology [ LMUSI1527 ]

Electronic supports are at student disposal on the iCampus intranet portal (concerns the part related to Sociology of music and Music diffusion).

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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.

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.

Written exam :

For the part Sociology of music and music diffusion, the evaluation pertains on the courses content as well as recommended personal readings (portfolio).

For the part Musicology of the media, a written evaluation pertains on the course content and on a course paper. According to the number of students, a multiple choice evaluation is optional.

Lectures accompanied by sound or audiovisuals samples.

Possible conferences. Experts or guests opinion (ref. Sociology of music and Music diffusion).

Part I : B. Van Wymeersch

Understanding and analysing the major issues in the sociology of music in the twenty-first century. Through the relationship between creator, performer and audience will be discussed the problems of so-called classical, popular music or jazz music. Musical cultural practices specific to our Western society will be considered (music as a vehicle of social values).

Part II : J. Van Tiggelen

Understanding and analyzing present day sound 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.

For the Sociology part, Prof. B. Van Wymeersch provides a portfolio with selected readings (subject oriented fundamental  articles, specialized literature extracts).

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