A one-semester overview of the Western classical music tradition from the Baroque Period to the present day. Listening to, analyzing, and understanding representative pieces of music in their historical, cultural, social, and political contexts will be the primary focus of the course. Problems of aesthetics (what makes great music great?), historical periodization (does music fit neatly into chronological boxes?) and canon formation (which pieces get to be famous and why?) will also be addressed.
Prerequisites
MUS 171 or Placement Exam