The class will meet weekly for twelve lectures on varied topics, given by music faculty on a rotating basis. The lectures will be arranged chronologically, focusing on a diversity of musical traditions. Lecture topics will include, among others: discussions of Medieval and Renaissance Music; gamelan and other Asian traditions, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, the Romantic era, the 20th century, and the explosion of jazz styles in the 1960s. Students will be expected to do the reading and listening work by each class, and follow-up written assignments. Nicholas Brooke will coordinate the series and be present at all sessions.