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Norges musikkhøgskole Norwegian Academy of Music Search

Music Philo­soph­ic­al Poly­clin­ic

  • Year of study: Two semesters, autumn and spring
  • Final assessment: assessment from teacher
  • Language of tuition: Norwegian/English

Course description

Based on discussions of key music/art philosophical texts, and relevant examples from musical practice, the course provides an introduction to fundamental thinking about the value and function of art in a modern society. The course focuses on the application of philosophical perspectives relevant to higher music education and the music profession

Course coordinator: Music Education and Music Therapy Department

Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, it is expected that the student

  • has knowledge of philosophical perspectives on the value and function of art in a modern society
  • can analyze and discuss the value and function of art in society in light of various philosophical perspectives
  • can independently and critically reflect upon and convey philosophical perspectives on the value and function of art in society

Overview

The course provides an introduction to fundamental music philosophical questions and discussions relevant to thinking about the value and function of music in today's society. Central themes include

  • What is the purpuse of music?
  • Music and education/cultivation
  • Musical experience as existential experience
  • The intrinsic value of music - does it exist? If so, what does it mean?
  • Music and sustainability

Structure

The teaching will consist of a series of seminars where key music and art philosophical texts are presented and discussed. Both teachers and students actively contribute to the seminars. Part of the work will involve independent studies of mandatory literature. In addition to the responsible teacher for the course, several teachers will participate as guest lecturers. The student is automatically enrolled in teaching, guidance, and assessment in the course, according to the progression set out in the curriculum.

Course requirements

Attendance in the course is mandatory. The student is expected to actively participate in the seminar discussions, with presentations of their own and providing feedback on presentations by other students. The schedule specifies when individual presentations and responses to other presentations are scheduled to take place.

Final assessment

All course requirements must be approved prior to obtaining a final assessment.

Students are assessed in correspondence to the learning outcomes of the course. The final assessment will be given as a mark of “passed”/”failed” for each individual student, which shall be determined on the basis of her or his level demonstrated through the course work.

New assessment

Students failing the course will have to apply to re-follow the course for a new assessment.

Published: Mar 7, 2024 — Last updated: Oct 21, 2024