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Yale University

Music and Social Action

What is a musician’s response to the condition of the world? Do musicians have an obligation and an opportunity to serve the needs of the world with their musicianship? At a time of crisis for the classical music profession, with a changing commercial landscape, a shrinking audience base, and a contraction in the number of professional orchestras, how does a young musician construct a career today? Are we looking at a dying art form or a moment of reinvigoration? In this course we will develop a response to these questions, and we will explore the notion that the classical musician, the artist, is an important public figure with a critical role to play in society. The course will include inquiry into a set of ideas in philosophy of aesthetics; a discussion about freedom, civil society, and ways that art can play a role in readying people for democracy; discussion on philosophy of education as it relates to the question of positive social change; and an exploration of musical and artistic initiatives that have been particularly focused on a positive social impact. Guiding questions for this course inquiry will include: - How can classical music effect social change? - How has music made positive change in communities around the globe? - What can the field of classical music learn from other movements for social change? - How have educators and philosophers thought about the arts and their connection to daily contemporary life? Each class will explore one critical question through lectures, discussions, interviews, or documentaries.

Status: World Music
Status: Public Affairs
Course31 hours

Featured reviews

TG

4.0Reviewed Oct 30, 2020

This course is a little confusing, as it is not just music but also art. As well as the relation of Social Action (political expects).

AO

5.0Reviewed Nov 11, 2024

I loved the discussions with other students as well as the links to readings.

UA

5.0Reviewed Jun 19, 2022

I​t really gave me a more ample perspective on the intersection of music and social justice.

DO

5.0Reviewed Mar 14, 2018

This is exactly what I needed. I have upgraded from just having a passion for music to having a passion for what music can do to the society. I am a better leader. Thank you YALE, thank you Coursera!

FB

5.0Reviewed Mar 26, 2020

Its a few years ago that I did this, but I still remember and value the course and the approach in teaching it. I have shared the information many times.

SI

5.0Reviewed May 26, 2020

This course has given me so much more than I had ever hoped for! A true eye-opener for anyone who is involved in the arts!

KS

4.0Reviewed May 29, 2018

Very interesting course. I would like to point out that some material is not accessible for international learners, like me. Appart from that it is a balanced course, with a lot of food for thought.

L

5.0Reviewed Jun 1, 2020

This course was so informative and insightful. I have thoroughly enjoyed the lectures and the readings and look forward to doing further research on the subject.

EJ

4.0Reviewed May 2, 2016

there wasn't' much classroom discussion lead by staff/or mentors. having more then two people peer-review would be ideal. readings were not easily accessible.

AG

5.0Reviewed Apr 2, 2025

Course gave me lots to think about in ways I had not considered before. I'll keep exploring this subject.

SW

5.0Reviewed May 21, 2020

The information I learned in this course was incredibly relevant. I hate that the course had to end. Anyone friendly to the arts should take this course.

HC

5.0Reviewed Jul 15, 2020

It's an amazing course! If you really wanna improve your knowledge as Musicians or Artists and power's action in your community, you need to enroll in this course.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 63

Klaus D Pluemer
5.0
Reviewed May 4, 2017
Education Junkie
4.0
Reviewed May 3, 2016
Eric MacTaggart
2.0
Reviewed Aug 4, 2016
adahauyeechan@gmail.com
5.0
Reviewed Mar 29, 2017
Elena Arzani
5.0
Reviewed Aug 5, 2020
Farid Hamka
5.0
Reviewed Jan 13, 2017
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5.0
Reviewed Aug 28, 2017
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5.0
Reviewed Jul 19, 2021
Robert J. B. Ellis
5.0
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5.0
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Jacqueline Sleesman
5.0
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Reviewed Sep 14, 2020
Douglas Ogutu
5.0
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Linda ten Bras
5.0
Reviewed Aug 19, 2016