University of Maine at Farmington 2007-2008 Catalog
 
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Music History
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  MUH 150A - Contemporary Music: Connections to the Past
With today's music as a departure point, this course will examine specific periods and styles of the past that have shaped contemporary music. Although some world traditions will be studied, the course will focus primarily on Western classical musics as well as departures into progressive rock and alternative. A particular semester might deal with Beethoven and the elevation of art music, Gregorian chant and its connection to Eastern European composers, or minimalism and the crossover into heavy metal. Open ears and an adventurous mind are critical. Every semester. CCP

Credit: 4

  MUH 177A - Topics in Music History
Study of a musical topic, such asa genre (opera, for example) or a period in music history.  Includes the development of listening skills and an introduction to music historiography. Variable. CCP

Credit: 4

  MUH 251 - Men, Women, and Pianos
Men, Women and Pianos studies the piano repertoire from the instrument's invention in the 18th century to contemporary artists. The course includes live performance by the instructor, guest artists, or through concert attendance. In some semesters, the class will take a trip to Portland or Boston. Prerequisite(s): Previous MUH course, or permission. Ability to play piano is not required. At least once in a three year cycle.

Credit: 4

  MUH 252 - Beethoven
More than any other composer, Ludwig van Beethoven revolutionized the style, aesthetic, and role of music in society. This course will examine the development of Beethovens music from his early period through the late works as well as the changing perspectives on his place in history. Prerequisite(s): Previous MUH course, or permission of instructor. Once every two years.

Credit: 4

  MUH 253 - Electroacoustic Music
Students create electroacoustic works supported by a study of the ideas and history of electronically produced sound. In this course, electroacoustic music (EA) is defined broadly and includes sound art or sculpture (works conceptualized from a visual arts perspective) as well as experimental music. Studies include classical pioneers (Cage, Stockhausen, and Xenakis), crossovers (Brian Eno and Steve Reich), noise art (Merzbow), as well as contemporary genres such as techno or bands like Radiohead that use extensive EA sounds. Students may use their own equipment or the music department's EA music studio. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Every year.               

Credit: 4

  MUH 254 - First Nights!
First Nights looks at the premieres of specific musical works in the genres of classical, rock/alternative, and world music. Students will study the artist or composer's previous works, the context of the premiere, and attend (when possible) a performance. In some semesters, students will travel to Portland, Boston, or New York. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.

Credit: 4

  MUH 255 - History of Jazz
An examination of the great music and musicians of jazz, as well as the place of jazz in American culture, and the ways that political, economic, and social forces affected its development.  Attention will be given to the issues of racism and sexism, and the different roles and attitudes of musicians, critics, producers, and audiences.  The course will include extensive listening to recordings and viewing of films. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing. Every year.

Credit: 4

  MUH 277 - Topics in Music History
Intensive study of a specific musical topic, such as a composer, a genre, or a period in music history.  There may be a significant interdisciplinary component.  Previous topics have included Contemporary Music: Reich to Radiohead; Music of the Teens: 1910-1919; and Nietzsche and Wagner. Students are encouraged to suggest potential course topics in areas of interest. Prerequisite(s): One previous MUH course, or permission of instructor. CCP (depending on topic.)

Credit: 2-4

  MUH 350 - Survey of Western Music
A survey of Western music from Gregorian chant to the 21st century. Students will also identify areas for individual research for publication or presentation at UMF or possibly beyond. Prerequisite(s): MUS 202, piano competency, and an upper-level MUH course. Once every two years.

Credit: 4

  MUH 377 - Advanced Topics in Music History
Intensive study of a specific musical topic, such as a composer, a genre, or a period in music history.  There may be a significant interdisciplinary component.  Previous topics have included Contemporary Music: Reich to Radiohead; Music of the Teens: 1910-1919; and Nietzsche and Wagner. Students are encouraged to suggest potential course topics in areas of interest. Prerequisite(s): MUS 201 and one previous MUH course or permission of instructor. Every two years. CCP (depending on topic.)

Credit: 2-4

  MUH 397 - Independent Study in Music History
Independent work on a special project of the student's choice under the supervision of a member of the music faculty. Acceptance of the proposal by the faculty member must precede registration. Prerequisite(s): Eight credits of music courses and permission of instructor. Completed Independent Study Form. Every Semester

Credit: 2-4

  MUH 450 - Music History Seminar
A seminar on topics related to music history as well as interdisciplinary connections to politics, society, and culture. The class will investigate specific topics determined by the faculty member and students. In addition, students will identify individual areas of research and write papers for submission at organizations beyond UMF, such as the College Music Society or undergraduate research opportunities. Prerequisite(s): MUH 350. Once every two years.

Credit: 4

  MUH 497 - Independent Study & Research in Music History
Independent work on a special project of the student's choice in music history under the supervision of a member of the music faculty. The project must represent upper-level undergraduate research in music history, defined by the department. This usually includes projects submitted to organizations beyond UMF such as conferences or journals. Acceptance of the proposal by the faculty member must precede registration. Prerequisite(s): Sixteen credits of music courses and permission of instructor. Completed Independent Study Form. Every semester

Credit: 2-4

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