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Marcel Cobussen
and
Hafez Ismaïli M'Hamdi
Music plays an important role in our daily lives and is woven into the fabric of society. We listen to music while alone or in company, in a dance club or at home, through simple headphones or via high-end speakers, as background or as foreground, after we get up or before we go to bed. Music accompanies us when we are traveling, doing sports, shopping, working or relaxing. This omnipresence of music raises several questions: how does music affect our lives? What is the relation between the society we live in and the role, function, and position of music within that society? How is music influenced by and does music influence social, political, economic, technological, and multiple other developments?
Read more
Music plays an important role in our daily lives and is woven into the fabric of society. We listen to music while alone or in company, in a dance club or at home, through simple headphones or via high-end speakers, as background or as foreground, after we get up or before we go to bed. Music accompanies us when we are traveling, doing sports, shopping, working or relaxing. This omnipresence of music raises several questions: how does music affect our lives? What is the relation between the society we live in and the role, function, and position of music within that society? How is music influenced by and does music influence social, political, economic, technological, and multiple other developments?
Read more
Music plays an important role in our daily lives and is woven into the fabric of society. We listen to music while alone or in company, in a dance club or at home, through simple headphones or via high-end speakers, as background or as foreground, after we get up or before we go to bed. Music accompanies us when we are traveling, doing sports, shopping, working or relaxing. This omnipresence of music raises several questions: how does music affect our lives? What is the relation between the society we live in and the role, function, and position of music within that society? How is music influenced by and does music influence social, political, economic, technological, and multiple other developments?
Do these questions trigger you? Music and Society provides a thorough introduction to the various ways in which music and society are connected through engaging lectures, insightful interviews, challenging assignments, interesting readings, and of course a lot of musical examples. The course aims at increasing your insights on where, how and why we listen to music, how music contributes to shaping our identity, how music forms, expresses, and subverts political ideas, and how music affects our norms and values.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/30qs3c/the
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What's inside
Syllabus
Welcome to the Course
Great that you are joining us! In this course you will learn about the various roles, functions, and positions music can have in our contemporary society. Before you start this course we invite you to first go through the introduction and introduce yourself in the forum to meet your fellow learners. If you encounter any difficulties while studying, please let us know in the forum. For technical difficulties or questions regarding the course certificate, you can always contact the Coursera Learner Helpdesk. Good luck and we hope you will enjoy studying in this course!
Read more
Syllabus
Welcome to the Course
Great that you are joining us! In this course you will learn about the various roles, functions, and positions music can have in our contemporary society. Before you start this course we invite you to first go through the introduction and introduce yourself in the forum to meet your fellow learners. If you encounter any difficulties while studying, please let us know in the forum. For technical difficulties or questions regarding the course certificate, you can always contact the Coursera Learner Helpdesk. Good luck and we hope you will enjoy studying in this course!
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Teaches about the role of music in society, which is relevant to a variety of disciplines
Provides a comprehensive study of music and society, making it a valuable resource for students and professionals alike
Taught by experienced instructors who are recognized for their work in the field
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Reviews summary
Music's societal role and impact
According to learners, this course offers a fascinating and highly relevant exploration of music's role in society. Many found the lectures engaging and the instructors knowledgeable and passionate. The readings were often insightful and the selection of musical examples excellent. While providing a solid academic perspective and containing thought-provoking assignments, some students noted that assignments could sometimes feel vague, impacting clarity. The course's strength lies in its comprehensive, theoretical approach to the topic, making it well-suited for those with an academic interest or intellectual curiosity, although some expecting a more practical focus were disappointed.
Course is theoretical and academic
"Honestly, I struggled with this course. The material felt very academic and theoretical, not what I was expecting."
"I was hoping for more practical examples or ways to understand current music trends..."
"Offers a solid academic perspective on the topic."
"Recommended for those with an academic interest."
Course structure is logical and easy to follow
"The course structure was logical and easy to follow."
"A solid introduction to the field of music and society. The modules on identity and politics were particularly strong."
"The course covers a wide range of themes from identity to politics and ethics."
Diverse and thought-provoking readings
"The readings were thought-provoking and challenged my assumptions."
"The readings were diverse and insightful."
"The readings are academic but rewarding."
"Some of the readings were a bit dense, but overall, the course provided a great foundation."
Well-produced and engaging lectures
"The lectures were engaging, and the selection of musical examples was excellent."
"Excellent course! The instructor is knowledgeable and passionate."
"The lectures are well-produced, and the supplemental materials... are top-notch."
"Lectures are clear."
Covers fascinating and relevant themes
"This course is absolutely fascinating! It opened my eyes to how deeply music is interwoven with social and political structures."
"Excellent course! ... I learned so much about the subtle ways music influences our lives and society."
"Fantastic exploration of music's societal impact. The course covers a wide range of themes from identity to politics and ethics."
"Provides a rich perspective on music's role beyond just entertainment."
Assignments challenging but can be vague
"The topics covered are very interesting, but I found the assignments quite vague at times, making it hard to know exactly what was expected."
"The assignments were okay, but feedback wasn't always clear."
"The assignments were challenging but fair."
"The assignments really made me think critically about the topics."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in The Importance and Power of Music in our Society with these
activities:
Practice hearing different instruments
Show steps
Prepare yourself for lessons where you'll need to identify instruments.
Browse courses on
Sound
Show steps
-
Listen to a recording featuring multiple instruments.
-
If possible, isolate the different sounds by listening on headphones.
-
Try to identify the instruments you are hearing.
Review musical terms
Show steps
Increase your familiarity so that you can better understand sheet music and hold more informed conversations about music.
Browse courses on
Music Theory
Show steps
-
Find helpful videos or articles online.
-
Take notes on the most important terms.
Practice rhythm
Show steps
Develop your ability to keep time, an essential skill for playing music.
Browse courses on
Rhythm
Show steps
-
Find a metronome online or on your phone.
-
Set the tempo to a comfortable speed.
-
Tap or clap along with the metronome.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read about the history of music
Show steps
Deepen your appreciation for music by understanding its evolution and development.
Browse courses on
Music
Show steps
-
Find a book or article that covers the history of music.
-
Read and take notes on the key events and trends in music history.
Make a playlist that reflects your musical interests
Show steps
Discover more music and share your tastes with others by creating a curated playlist.
Browse courses on
Music
Show steps
-
Choose a streaming service or platform.
-
Start a new playlist and give it a descriptive title.
-
Add songs that represent your current musical interests.
-
Consider sharing your playlist with friends or on social media.
Attend a live music performance
Show steps
Enhance your appreciation for the power and beauty of live music.
Browse courses on
Music
Show steps
-
Find a local concert or music event.
-
Purchase tickets and attend the performance.
Join a music appreciation group
Show steps
Develop a deeper understanding of music by connecting with other passionate individuals.
Browse courses on
Music
Show steps
-
Look for local groups or online communities dedicated to music.
-
Attend meetings and participate in discussions.
Compose a simple melody
Show steps
Develop your practical abilities by creating a simple musical piece.
Browse courses on
Melody
Show steps
-
Choose a basic chord progression.
-
Experiment with different notes to create a melody.
-
Use a music notation program to write down your melody.
Practice hearing different instruments
Show steps
Prepare yourself for lessons where you'll need to identify instruments.
Browse courses on
Sound
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Listen to a recording featuring multiple instruments.
- If possible, isolate the different sounds by listening on headphones.
- Try to identify the instruments you are hearing.
Review musical terms
Show steps
Increase your familiarity so that you can better understand sheet music and hold more informed conversations about music.
Browse courses on
Music Theory
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find helpful videos or articles online.
- Take notes on the most important terms.
Practice rhythm
Show steps
Develop your ability to keep time, an essential skill for playing music.
Browse courses on
Rhythm
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a metronome online or on your phone.
- Set the tempo to a comfortable speed.
- Tap or clap along with the metronome.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read about the history of music
Show steps
Deepen your appreciation for music by understanding its evolution and development.
Browse courses on
Music
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a book or article that covers the history of music.
- Read and take notes on the key events and trends in music history.
Make a playlist that reflects your musical interests
Show steps
Discover more music and share your tastes with others by creating a curated playlist.
Browse courses on
Music
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a streaming service or platform.
- Start a new playlist and give it a descriptive title.
- Add songs that represent your current musical interests.
- Consider sharing your playlist with friends or on social media.
Attend a live music performance
Show steps
Enhance your appreciation for the power and beauty of live music.
Browse courses on
Music
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a local concert or music event.
- Purchase tickets and attend the performance.
Join a music appreciation group
Show steps
Develop a deeper understanding of music by connecting with other passionate individuals.
Browse courses on
Music
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Look for local groups or online communities dedicated to music.
- Attend meetings and participate in discussions.
Compose a simple melody
Show steps
Develop your practical abilities by creating a simple musical piece.
Browse courses on
Melody
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a basic chord progression.
- Experiment with different notes to create a melody.
- Use a music notation program to write down your melody.
Career center
Learners who complete The Importance and Power of Music in our Society will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Music Teacher
Music Teacher
Music Teachers lead instruction in music. They teach music theory, composition, performance, and music history. They also develop and implement lesson plans, assess student progress, and provide feedback. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Teachers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society, which can help them to better understand the needs of their students and to develop effective lesson plans.
Music Therapist
Music Therapist
Music Therapists use music to improve the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of individuals. They work with people of all ages and backgrounds, including those with disabilities, illnesses, and injuries. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Therapists as it provides a solid foundation in the role of music in society and its impact on human behavior.
Music Producer
Music Producer
Music Producers oversee the recording, mixing, and mastering of music. They work with musicians, singers, and engineers to create high-quality recordings. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Producers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the music industry and the role of music in society.
Music Journalist
Music Journalist
Music Journalists write about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They interview musicians, review concerts and albums, and write feature articles about the music industry. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Journalists as it provides a solid foundation in the role of music in society and the music industry.
Music Librarian
Music Librarian
Music Librarians manage and organize music collections in libraries. They help patrons find the music they need and provide reference services. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Librarians as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and the music industry.
Music Archivist
Music Archivist
Music Archivists preserve and catalog music collections. They work with libraries, museums, and other institutions to ensure that music is preserved for future generations. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Archivists as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and the music industry.
Music Educator
Music Educator
Music Educators teach music in schools and other educational settings. They develop and implement lesson plans, assess student progress, and provide feedback. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Educators as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and its impact on human behavior.
Music Critic
Music Critic
Music Critics write reviews and articles about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They provide their opinions on new releases, performances, and trends in the music industry. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Critics as it provides a solid foundation in the role of music in society and the music industry.
Music Director
Music Director
Music Directors oversee the musical direction of orchestras, bands, and choirs. They select repertoire, conduct rehearsals, and perform concerts. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Directors as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and the music industry.
Music Promoter
Music Promoter
Music Promoters organize and promote concerts, tours, and other music events. They work with artists, venues, and sponsors to create successful events. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Promoters as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and the music industry.
Music Agent
Music Agent
Music Agents represent musicians and other music professionals. They negotiate contracts, book gigs, and promote their clients' careers. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Agents as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and the music industry.
Music Publisher
Music Publisher
Music Publishers acquire and publish musical works. They work with songwriters, composers, and lyricists to protect their copyrights and promote their work. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Publishers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and the music industry.
Music Distributor
Music Distributor
Music Distributors distribute music to retailers and other outlets. They work with record labels and artists to ensure that music is available to consumers. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Distributors as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and the music industry.
Music Executive
Music Executive
Music Executives oversee the operations of record labels and other music companies. They develop and implement strategies for artist development, marketing, and distribution. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Executives as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and the music industry.
Music Historian
Music Historian
Music Historians study the history of music. They research and write about music from all periods and cultures. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Historians as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and the music industry.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/30qs3c/the
Reading list
We've selected 16 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
The Importance and Power of Music in our Society.
This comprehensive handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of music and society, covering topics such as the sociology of music, the psychology of music, and the role of music in education and the media. It would be a valuable resource for students and scholars interested in learning more about the social and cultural significance of music.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Western music, from its origins in ancient Greece to the present day. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the role of music in society.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of music and society, covering topics such as the social and cultural history of music, the role of music in different cultures, and the impact of music on society. It would be a valuable resource for students and scholars interested in learning more about the social and cultural significance of music.
Save
Explores the power of music to change our lives. Mannes draws on her own experiences as a musician and music therapist to show how music can help us to heal, to connect with others, and to find meaning in our lives.
Provides a sociological perspective on the role of music in society. Shepherd examines the social functions of music, the ways in which music is used to communicate and to create social bonds, and the ways in which music is shaped by social and cultural factors.
Save
This companion provides a comprehensive overview of the field of music and society, covering topics such as the history of music and society, the sociology of music, and the role of music in different cultures. It would be a valuable resource for students and scholars interested in learning more about the social and cultural significance of music.
Provides an overview of the psychological perspectives on music and emotion, covering topics such as the effects of music on mood, the role of music in communication, and the use of music in therapy.
Save
Explores the ethical dimensions of music. Kivy examines the ways in which music can be used to express moral values, to promote social justice, and to challenge injustice.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of music and society. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history of music and society, the sociology of music, the psychology of music, and the aesthetics of music.
Examines the social and political dimensions of musical experience. Negus argues that music is not simply a form of entertainment, but a powerful force that can shape our identities, our relationships, and our world.
Classic work on the philosophy of music. Meyer argues that music is not simply a form of entertainment, but a meaningful art form that can communicate complex ideas and emotions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the social psychology of music. It examines the ways in which music can influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and the ways in which music can be used to create social bonds.
Comprehensive introduction to the philosophy of music. Levinson examines the nature of music, the relationship between music and other art forms, and the ethical dimensions of music.
Examines the impact of technology on music in the 21st century. Taruskin discusses the ways in which technology has changed the way we create, distribute, and consume music, and the ways in which technology has influenced the evolution of musical styles.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of music psychology. It covers a wide range of topics, including the perception of music, the production of music, and the effects of music on our emotions and behavior.
Explores the relationship between music and the mind. Sloboda examines the ways in which music can influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and the ways in which music can be used to improve our mental health.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/30qs3c/the
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institutions
Universiteit Leiden
University of the Arts The Hague
Instructors
Marcel Cobussen
Hafez Ismaïli M'Hamdi
Language
English
Transcripts
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