Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis Judgements about music and musical activities are based on aesthetic presuppositions. The subject deals with the history and theory of music aesthetics and the history, theory and practice of music criticism. 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%