Music History

Music has been a major component of the liberal arts curriculum since the Middle Ages, when it was part of the Quadrivium. It embodies the ideals and essence of every culture that produces it. It is woven into the social and historical milieu of every age. Music is the only one of the three great arts – literature, the visual arts, and music - that is primarily aural and abstract in nature.  In listening attentively to music, we not only sharpen our powers of hearing and analysis, but we also experience and have mirrored the deepest feelings of our beings, the depths of our souls.  Music is both an intellectual and sensual art. At Suffolk University we examine composers and their music, within their social and cultural context, and study the grammar and rhetoric of music, in order to experience it to the fullest. When we engage with great music at the deepest level, it changes us, forever.  It fills our lives with beauty and joy. It deepens our understanding of what it means to be human.  Suffolk offers three choices for the academic study of music: the BA in Humanities - Music History track, alone or as a double major with, for example, Business or English; a Music History Minor combined with another major of the student’s choice; or elective music courses in the student’s area of interest. Courses cover the range from medieval to contemporary, and from World Music to Mozart. Opportunities to perform music are offered in the University Vocal Ensemble, in jazz and a cappella groups sponsored by the Performing Arts Office, and thorough the Department of Theatre.

The information below is taken from the 2007-08 Suffolk Catalog.  Students who entered the University before that time may be subject to the requirements under an earlier catalog.

Humanities Major – Music History Track

Foundation courses:

• HUM 111 and HUM 112

Advanced Courses (6-8 courses)

Chosen from the following:

• HUM 210
• HUM 211
• HUM 221
• HUM 223
• HUM 225
• HUM 227
• HUM 229
• HUM 231
• HUM 233
• HUM 335
• HUM 337
• HUM 501
  

Related Options:

A maximum of 2 courses may be chosen from the following:

• HUM 110
• HUM 120-121
• Any HUM course offering at level 200 or above

Notes:

• AP Credit: not applicable
• A maximum of 3 courses taken at other institutions or as part of a study abroad program may apply toward the major.
• Departmental Honors: Candidates must register for HUM 502 in the fall semester of the senior year and complete a senior thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. HUM 502 counts toward completion of the major.

Humanities Minor – Music History Track

Foundation courses:

• HUM 111 and HUM 112

3-4 Music Courses chosen from the following:

• HUM 210
• HUM 211
• HUM 221
• HUM 223
• HUM 225
• HUM 227
• HUM 229
• HUM 231
• HUM 233
• HUM 335
• HUM 337

Related Options

A maximum of 1 course may be chosen from the following:

• HUM 110
• HUM 120-121
• Any HUM course offering at level 200 or above

Notes

• AP Credit: not applicable
• A maximum of 2 courses taken at other institutions of as part of a study abroad program may apply toward the minor.
• Any Seminar for Freshman with a strong music component (50% or more of course content) may count toward the major or minor programs.
• Independent Study (Hum 501) may be taken only once (permission required).