Jewish Music Classes

The roles of music during the Holocaust are as varied as people who experienced it. Music was composed and performed by prisoners in almost every concentration camp; music was a means for some individuals to gain favorable treatment, while others weaponized it. This course traces the development of European musical culture under the Nazi regime (1933-45), focusing on how individuals interacted with music throughout Holocaust. Students study some of the newest developments in Holocaust music research, including the role American and European non-governmental organizations played in the creation of artistic hubs in southern France. Students also explore cultural representations of Holocaust, and the role of music in society’s collective memory. Letter grading.

GE Requirement

Check with your counselor or adviser to see which GE courses fulfill your requirements. See General Education Requirements for more information.

GE Foundation Categories:

1. Foundations of Arts and Humanities—Literary and Cultural Analysis
2. Foundations of Arts and Humanities—Visual and Performance Arts Analysis and Practice

Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. In synagogue and on stage, and from LP recordings to YouTube, Jews in America have varied musical experiences. Music of synagogue, celebrations at home, in community, and theater are all interesting developments of Jewish music. New Opportunities in entertainment industry brought new possibilities for Jews in popular music, rock, and film scores. Exploration of various examples of Jews responding and adapting to their American context and becoming American through music. Exploration of different music genres and contexts. Presentations by guest composers and performers. Letter grading.

GE Requirement

Check with your counselor or adviser to see which GE courses fulfill your requirements. See General Education Requirements for more information.

GE Foundation Categories:

1. Foundations of Arts and Humanities—Literary and Cultural Analysis
2. Foundations of Arts and Humanities—Visual and Performance Arts Analysis and Practice

The roles of music during Holocaust are as varied as people who experienced it. Music was composed and performed by prisoners in almost every concentration camp; music was a means for some individuals to gain favorable treatment, while others weaponized it. This course traces the development of European musical culture under the Nazi regime (1933-45), focusing on how individuals interacted with music throughout Holocaust. Students study some of the newest developments in Holocaust music research, including the role American and European non-governmental organizations played in the creation of artistic hubs in southern France. Student also explore cultural representations of Holocaust, and the role of music in society’s collective memory. Letter grading.

GE Requirement

Check with your counselor or adviser to see which GE courses fulfill your requirements. See General Education Requirements for more information.

GE Foundation Categories:

1. Foundations of Arts and Humanities—Literary and Cultural Analysis
2. Foundations of Arts and Humanities—Visual and Performance Arts Analysis and Practice