Music 7829.05 Special Topics in Theory: A survey of contemporary music theoretic approaches
Fall 2016
Wednesdays 1:45–4:15 – Room 502, Mershon Auditorium

Course description:

This seminar will examine recent trends in music theory scholarship, beginning with a particular focus on the role of analysis within music theoretic discourse. Other topics will include the relationship between analysis and performance practice, approaches to music theory informed by philosophy, and the ways in which gender and disability is constructed and discussed in music theoretic discourse. Seminar readings will also explore the range of approaches used to explore music beyond the common practice western art music tradition, namely post-1945 art music, jazz, improvised music, film music and multimedia. Where relevant, discussions will also consider how these topics are reflected in the Society for Music Theory’s interest groups as well as the role of these groups within the disciplinary discourse at large.

Course goals:

• To gain familiarity with current trends in the music theoretic research
• Gain fluency with the range and type of articles being published in the major music theory journals
• To formulate and execute a research paper that orients your own research interests broadly within the field of music theory

Grade Breakdown:

• 35% Weekly Seminar Activities (including preparing article summaries and acting as a respondent in seminar)
• 10% Journal Synopsis Presentations
• 15% Journal Synopsis Write-ups
• 15% Project Presentation
• 25% Project Paper

Course Schedule: