History Shapes Music, Music Shapes History

Music is always rooted in its era. History shapes what music sounds like, how it is composed and how it is listened to. But that is not the end of the story. Music can also shape history. It can contribute to major changes in society. It is not only an expression of individual and social identities, it can also give rise to these identities. This interdisciplinary course will focus on the mutual influence of music and history, highlighting the cases where music really made a difference. These examples provide a unique insight into Central European society, culture and history from the 18th century to the present day. They also present an opportunity to discuss more general issues in aesthetics, sociology, history and culture studies. Themes covered will include the National Revival, modernism and the First Republic, music during and after WWII, Czech underground and the Velvet Revolution, capitalism and the culture industry, and others. The classes will consist of interpreting short excerpts from various texts on music, discussion, listening to musical samples, and field trips. Students will be introduced to major Czech and Central European classical composers as well as popular and alternative/underground music groups. No prior musical education is required. Guest lecturers will also be invited to the course, such as contemporary composer Milos Orson Stedron.