Music

The course provides a study of the history, theory, tradition, and style of the Guqin, a plucked seven-string Chinese musical instrument. Repertoire exercises will also be taught based on individual student ability and experience level. The course explores the beauty of Guqin music and establishes its musical aesthetic foundation in a cultural and historical context.

The course is aimed at instrumentalists with good playing habits who want to learn more about Swedish Folk music in theory and praxis. The course contains ensemble exercises, intonation, improvisation, and composition in the style of Swedish Folk music based on different dance types such as Polska, polka, waltz, and schottische. The course requires instrumental knowledge and the ability to play by ear on a basic level.

Music is a fascinating medium through which to study many aspects of Israeli life and politics. This course explores many genres of music, including art, folk, pop/rock, religious genres, as well as genres canonized by the mainstream and others on the peripheries. Among the social and political issues that emerge from music in Israel, students discuss music's role in the development of “Hebrew culture;” the invention of tradition; the politics of race, ethnicity, and nationality; spirituality and engagement with religion; peace and conflict; the problematics of coexistence; and the musical expression of place. No musical training is necessary to be successful in this course, though students with musical skills and training are welcome to contribute their expertise and may choose to augment their projects with performance or theoretical analysis.