Topics in Music & Society

Modality: Remote-Synchronous What happens when we strip art and music of all but its core components? Important questions emerge: What are 19 identical conical objects, placed on a gallery floor, meant to express? And is that even the right question to ask of these objects? (Eva Hesse: Repetition Nineteen III, 1968) How does one listen to a piece of music, consisting of a single tape loop, repeating a single sentence, for 20 minutes? What can that repeating statement express, that a single statement cannot? (Steve Reich: Come Out, 1966) How do we account for the lived experience of these artworks? Why can they feel transcendent in one moment, yet suffocating the next? What's the difference between listening for 5 minutes vs. 60? Minimalism, as an artistic style, challenges deeply held notions of narrative and expression in art and music. And in this course, we use these questions as a point of departure for broad discussions around artistic expression in our world. This course will explore the Minimalist style in music and art, from its roots in 1960s experimental art practices and counter culture communities, to current trends in electronic and experimental music styles. We will explore music from some of the pioneers of the style (La Monte Young, Éliane Radigue). And then examine ways the minimalist style can be heard in a wide array of music, from early house and dance music (Donna Summer, Frankie Knuckles), film scores (Koyaanisqatsi), to art rock (The Velvet Underground). And beyond: students are encouraged to listen around them, and bring the music they know into the conversation. Special emphasis will be given to critical listening. Students will listen to a wide array of music, chosen by the instructor and the class, and compile a listening journal over the course of the term. No technical experience with music is required for this class. Rather, students of any background are simply asked to openly and actively engage with art and music. Text: Readings will be compiled from various online and print sources. Note also that listening is a large component of this course. Requirements/Evaluation -Students will be expected to complete all reading and listening assignments, and actively participate in class discussions centered around these. -Students will create a listening journal, based on their personal listening experiences. -There will be brief, weekly written responses associated with readings and listening examples. -Students will complete a final creative project in their chosen media (visual arts, sculpture, sound, video, music, written/spoken word). (No experience with art making required!)