Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to the key ideas, figures and debates in the development of music aesthetics and criticism since Ancient Greek times to the present. In particular the unit will examine the links between aesthetic theories and their application and appropriation in musicology and journalistic criticism. Topics to be addressed in detail include theories of beauty, form and structure; authenticity, text-music relationships; semiotics; and the idea of musical meaning in both western and non-western contexts. The influence of aesthetics on theories of musical criticism and approaches to composition and performance will be studied.

Objectives

Students successfully completing this subject will have developed:

1. An understanding of how music has been defined and judged throughout history;
2. Skills to articulate their own aesthetic standpoints in relation to musical composition, performance and current research in music aesthetics.

Assessment

Essay (3500 words): 80%
Examination (1 hour, 1000 words): 20%

Contact hours

One 1-hour lecture per week
One 1-hour workshop/tutorial per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Music