Course Schedule
Lehrveranstaltungen
From the Phonograph to AI: A History of Recorded Sound (Seminar)
Dozent/in: Monika Schoop
Termin:
wöchentlich | Mittwoch | 12:15 - 13:45 | 13.10.2025 - 30.01.2026 | C 16.207 Musik | C 16.207
Inhalt: This course offers an in-depth exploration into the histories of sound recording and recorded sound. Zooming in on its emergence in the late 19th century, we will commence with an examination of the cultural origins of sound reproduction. Inquiring into different technologies and formats—from the phonograph to records and tapes to digital formats—will then allow us to unravel the complex relationship between technology, music, and human culture. Going beyond the confines of technological determinism, we will scrutinize the reciprocal influence of recording technology on music production and listening, as well as the converse impact. Engaging in critical reflection on assertions of dematerialization in the digital age, we will also assess the environmental implications associated with recorded sound. In the final segment of the course, students will have the opportunity to select a research topic inspired by the course's content. They will craft an essay outline and receive feedback, ultimately culminating in the development of comprehensive essays.
Lost Music and Means: Popular Music as Plundered Art by the Nazis (Seminar)
Dozent/in: Katharina Alexi
Termin:
wöchentlich | Mittwoch | 10:15 - 11:45 | 13.10.2025 - 30.01.2026 | C 16.129 Seminarraum
Inhalt: Artists needs means so that they can make and perform music. In the countries ruled and occupied by the Nazis, musicians and further cultural actors lost not only instruments during Second World War. They could hardly take anything with them on the way to exile or being deported, from sheet music to music collections or equipment. They had to give up being active in clubs and bars where they hosted music. In particular, little is known about how (many) musicians and live music actors from genres such as klezmer, swing and jazz were affected by expropriation. We approach these questions with the results of provenance research and projects, which, until now, seem to have mainly focused on the literature and visual arts. The seminar moves this research focus toward popular music. Students find the topic for each session in the class plan (Seminarplan) Essay draft (1-2 pages) is due 28 January 2026. You will receive a feedback in February. The session date will be announced in class and via myStudy mail. For the final essay submission, please check the exam information here in myStudy.