Corpus Studies (348-0-1)

Instructors

Daniel T Shanahan

Meeting Info

RCMA 1-164: Mon, Wed 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

Corpus studies, or distant readings of multiple musical works, are often employed as a way of better understanding issues such as the relationships between pieces, authorship, trends over time, or differences and similarities between genres. In this class, we will explore the techniques, history, and philosophy of such approaches, and will construct and analyze our own corpora. For the most part, this class will deal with notated scores, and students will be encouraged to ask their own research questions of the music that they are most interested in.

Registration Requirements

This class is intended for graduate students and upper-level undergraduates.

Learning Objectives

Students will learn how to use a computer to ask questions of musical scores, find patterns, and look at broader relationships between pieces.

Teaching Method

Class meetings will consist of presentations, discussions, and in-class activities.

Evaluation Method

There will be weekly assignments, as well as a final project consisting of a paper and a presentation.

Class Materials (Required)

All materials will be provided.

Class Materials (Suggested)

It is suggested that students bring a laptop to class. We will be using a web-based platform for hands-on demonstrations.