MUM4020

Music aesthetics, criticism, sociology and psychology

Margaret Kartomi and Reis Flora

12 points -2 hours per week -First semester -Clayton

Objectives By the end of the semester, students undertaking this unit should have a basic knowledge of the history of music aesthetics, criticism, sociology and psychology and their interdisciplinary relationships and an understanding of how cogently to write about and discuss what music is and means.

Synopsis The subject deals with the history and theory of music aesthetics and the history, theory and practice of music criticism. Judgements about music and musical activities are based on aesthetic presuppositions. Issues discussed include music as text and work of art; value, greatness and genius; affection; formalism; program music; musical forgery; phenomenology of music; postmodern music aesthetics perception and cognition of experimental music; and the 'styles of the future'. Sociological and psychological theories are investigated and discussed.

Assessment Written (4000 words): 40% -Examinations (2 hours): 40% -Two 1000-word critical exercises: 20%

Prescribed texts

Hanslick E On the musically beautiful Hachett, 1985
Meyer L B Music, the arts and ideas U Chicago P, 1967
Dahlhaus C Aesthetics of music CUP, 1982

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