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2026-2027 / MUSI0044-1

Introduction to the history of musical theory

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

 Bachelor in history of art and archaeology : musicology5 crédits 

Lecturer

Mathilde Kaisin

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The status of music, as both a science and an art, has undergone numerous changes from the texts of ancient Greece to the most recent works in the digital humanities. Theoretical texts enable us to understand this rich and complex history. This course will address the fundamental elements of music theory, highlighting their contextual application and the evolution of their uses (musical notation, counterpoint, modality, harmony, etc.). This approach will be based on theoretical texts and will be complemented by a comparison with the musical works themselves. Alongside this work, a cross-disciplinary thematic module will be devoted to ancient Greek musical theories and the question of their post-classical reception within Western music theory.


 

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

By the end of this course, students will be able to define, explain and contextualise the key concepts of Western music theory from a historical perspective, whilst gaining an overview of the major music theorists associated with them.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

The basics of musical analysis and the ability to read a score. A general understanding of the main themes in the history of music.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course is based on lectures and interactive sessions with students (exercises, readings and discussions). Students will also be asked, from time to time, to prepare short presentations of around ten minutes on a given topic or a specific reading.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

Teaching materials will be made available to students on e-campus and/or distributed in hard copy during class sessions.

 

Recommended reading

Claude ABROMONT, Guide de la theorie musicale, Paris, Fayard-Lemoine, 2001.

Théodora PSYCHOYOU, Raphaëlle LEGRAND, Françoise DEPERSIN et Marie Demeilliez, La musique baroque en France : clefs pour une analyse historicisée, Éditions Vrin, 2025.

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions )

Continuous assessment


Further information:

Daily work (active participation in class discussions, any presentations and assignments) will account for 20 per cent of the final mark.

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Classes with reading assignement

Contacts

Mathilde.Kaisin@uliege.be

Association of one or more MOOCs

There is no MOOC associated with this course.