MHMUS 484 — Musical Nationalism and Internationalism Since 1900

3 credits
Spring
Mina Lee

This course examines the complex interplay between musical nationalism and internationalism from 1900 to the present. Students will explore how composers have expressed national identities, engaged with folk traditions, and responded to political movements while also transcending national boundaries through global influences and cross-cultural collaborations. By engaging with these themes, students will develop an understanding of how music functions as a medium for both national expression and international dialogue, reflecting the intricate social, political, and cultural contexts of the past century. Topics will include the development of national styles in the early 20th century, post-colonial and diasporic expressions, and the impact of post-war internationalism. These themes will be illustrated through the works of composers such as Béla Bartók, Igor Stravinsky, Aaron Copland, Dmitri Shostakovich, Benjamin Britten, Luigi Nono, György Ligeti, Iannis Xenakis, Isang Yun, Toru Takemitsu, Osvaldo Golijov, and Unsuk Chin. Assignments will include weekly reading and listening tasks, a short midterm paper, a final paper, and an in-class presentation based on the final paper.