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Literature in Music, Music in Literature


Course Description

Explores the synthesis of the verbal and musical arts in German culture from a dual perspective: literary content of musical genres (such as minne- and meistersang, Lutheran hymn, cantata, opera, folk song, lied), and musical structures and themes in certain literary works. Taught in German.


Athena Title

Lit in Music, Music in Lit


Prerequisite

GRMN 3010 or GRMN 3015


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

Acquire knowledge and appreciation of the various kinds of works in German cultural history in which music and words are integrated. Learn how this fusion has created specific permanent genres. Explain 1) how the verbal component may enhance or constrain musical form, and 2) how musical concepts and structures may expand or limit literary expression. Gain a critical awareness of the historical and sociopolitical contexts in which these genres were created and/or practiced. Students will be evaluated on the basis of oral presentations, written reports, and in-class exams.


Topical Outline

Music in Literature; structures (fugue; novel) Music in Literature; stories (musicians as protagonists) Music in Literature; myths (the supernatural) Music and love: minnesang and the medieval court Music and militancy: crusade songs and the church Music and the soul: spiritual song and mysticism Music and confession: Catholic and Protestant hymnology Music and drama: cantata (Schütz, Bach) Music and national consciousness: Volkslied (folk song) Lied, the ultimate synthesis Opera and Gesamtkunstwerk


General Education Core

CORE IV: World Languages and Global Culture
CORE IV: Humanities and the Arts

Syllabus