MUSIC 200: Masterpieces of Western Art Music

This course explores the history and development of Western music in the classical tradition through the lens of selected masterworks that have served as models for tradition and change from the renaissance to today. Students will examine masterworks within their respective cultural contexts, emphasizing the role of music as a form of expression as well as music's role in reflecting ideas and values throughout Western history. Students will listen, read, discuss, and keep written journals in which they respond to and deeply engage the selected masterworks. The primary textbooks will be supplemented by audio recording, videos, and additional scholarly readings.