Short Description

This course introduces students to the process of thinking critically about musical and cultural questions and problems.

Assessment

Two 2000 word essays, worth 50% each.
Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

The aim of this course is to facilitate the practice of sustained critical thinking with respect to fundamental musical and cultural ideas and assumptions. Students will also come to understand the role that critical thinking has in the field of musical and artistic practice.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of the course students will be expected to be able to:
1. Analyse philosophical arguments, particularly in relation to music
2. Demonstrate critical thinking
3. Understand how philosophical concepts are formed and deployed
4. Demonstrate discrimination and precision in their use of philosophical concepts
5. Present, in both written and verbal form, coherent philosophical arguments relating to music and supply ample support for their positions through reference to published material
6. Formulate and respond to philosophical and cultural questions
7. Demonstrate familiarity with some of the key ideas in music aesthetics

*Course content subject to change