A compact seminar designed to feature distinguished short-term visitors from Austrian universities who have expertise in Austrian literature, politics, and culture to teach topics that complement regular departmental offerings. One short paper is required. Taught in English or in German.

The seminar will introduce you to the rich musical history of the Habsburg Empire, which was essential for developing what we currently understand as “classical music”. However, the classical composers could not presage that they would be canonized one day in this peculiar way. At their time, they wrote music that was perceived as new, exciting, and sometimes even scandalous. Most of the music was highly popular, which puts into question the common distinction between high-brow and low-brow music. The contemporary music closely intersected with political ruptures and social changes which we will explore through musical sources. "This course is taught in English and all readings are in English; no knowledge of German is required"! NOTE: This class meets for only 5 weeks from 01/20-02/17/2023.

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