MUS-0200 Music through the Ages: Gregorian Chant to the Beatles
This course aims to provide a solid introduction to Western music, from its origins in antiquity up through the present day. No musical background is required. Given the range of the subject matter (over 2000 years), we shall not attempt an exhaustive survey, but rather learn about the variety of music in its evolving historical and cultural context; to enjoy it, to get inside it; and to focus on developing listening skills. These involve the ability to hear and make sense of significant structural events in the music, but also to situate the music in its context of genres, composers, styles, societies, and historical periods. In addition, we will encourage discussion about what the music of these different styles and eras might have to do with our experiences in America today. No Prerequisite. 3 credits.