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Unit of study_

MCGY3604: J.S. Bach and his World

More than 250 years after his death, J.S. Bach remains one of the most revered musicians in the Western tradition. What influences formed Bach's style? What makes his music embedded in its time and place, yet distinctive and instantly recognisable? This unit investigates the music of this iconic composer in its historical context, considering his training, cultural and religious environment, stylistic influences and ongoing legacy, and allows students to explore their own research interests relating to Bach's music.

Code MCGY3604
Academic unit Musicology
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None
Assumed knowledge:
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Broad knowledge of Baroque music equivalent to MCGY2611 or MUSC1506

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate a detailed knowledge of selected repertoire of J.S. Bach and his contemporaries
  • LO2. demonstrate an understanding of J.S. Bach’s career and output in its historical context, including key cultural and stylistic influences
  • LO3. research and write about one specific Bach topic in depth
  • LO4. demonstrate enhanced information literacy, research, and writing skills
  • LO5. apply a variety of analytical and critical approaches to understanding Bach’s music
  • LO6. think, write, and speak critically about the music of J.S. Bach in its historical context
  • LO7. communicate effectively with peers from a variety of disciplinary, social, and cultural backgrounds
  • LO8. articulate a personal understanding of Bach's place in the musical culture of his time, and of western culture more generally.

Unit outlines

Unit outlines will be available 2 weeks before the first day of teaching for the relevant session.

There are no unit outlines available online for the current year.