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This course will explore the ancient theme of the tragic struggle for excellence and beauty, focusing on the artistic genius of Gustav Mahler. Mahler's symphonic and vocal works are masterpieces of late romantic inspiration and have been seen to herald some of the modern world's dilemmas and complexities : serenity and rebellion, compassion and sarcasm, lyricism and violence, subjectivity and objectivity, the sublime and the commonplace. Because of the human richness of his work, it has found its way into other great literary/artistic compositions, several of which we will read and view : Thomas Mann's Death in Venice and the 1971 film adaptation by Visconti that makes use of the 5th Symphony's famous Adagietto for his sound track ; and Philip Roth's astonishing novel The Human Stain, where the long final movement of the 3rd Symphony makes an excruciatingly momentous appearance.Course open to non musicians, though an openness to classical music is advised. No prerequisites in music necessary. Students will be required to read two intellectually stimulating novels! Put on your seat belts! I. Required Material:3rd Symphony - Mahler5th Symphony - MahlerDas Lied von der Erde (The Song of the Earth) - MahlerVarious German lieder from Schubert to MahlerDeath in Venice - Thomas MannThe Human Stain - Philip RothSelected online sources dealing with Gustav Mahler
II. COURSE REQUIREMENTS:Readings, active participation and attendance are essential.Readings, active participation and attendance are essential.* Course readings and listenings are obligatory.* Active participation in the classroom is required and shall count 50% toward the final grade.Writing Assignments : will count for 30% of the final grade. Students shall write a mid-term essay and two short papers (3 to 5 pages each) one due at mid-term, the other towards the end of the term, and one class presentation.* There will be a final exam which counts as 20% of the final grade.* Attendance will be taken regularly
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