News

An online course in South Indian music

Ludwig Pesch, the well-known musicologist, is offering an online course in Karnatak music. Here are the details:

The Music of South India

About the Course

Content

* Students gain a deep knowledge of Carnatic music, the classical music of South India. The course is divided into 12 modules, each focusing on a different aspect of this music:

* a panoramic overview of Carnatic music, its origins, scope and cultural context,

* traditional methods of music education and training,

* types and genres as celebrated in concerts, dance recitals, and temple music,

* devotional music, its lyrics and expression, with vignettes of several composers,

* understanding the concept of "Raga" with reference to other music systems,

* the musical forms presented in today´s Carnatic music and the classical dance repertoire based on it,

* features and "values" which attract musicians and listeners to Carnatic music,

* "Tala", the layering of musical time,

* musical instruments used by Carnatic musicians, their origins, innovation, and musical context,

* the many facets of raga-based music, past and present,

* rhythmic diversification in Carnatic music, exploring the world of syllables and percussion,

* traditional South Indian music and dance assuming new roles in the modern world.

The workload is estimated at 5 - 10 hours a week.

Special arrangements: "The Music of South India" is also available for hosting in conjunction with recognized institutions anywhere in the world.

Method
This course is a virtual seminar. It combines documents, exercises and music examples (audio and video) delivered locally, by way of a CD-ROM, with instructions that are co-ordinated online, via the Internet (e-learning). Students can discuss their lessons and ideas in a virtual classroom and get support from the instructor and author of the course.

The course provides scope for assessments and self-assessment by way of small quizzes. To qualify for the certificate, students are further required to participate in the discussions and a test (i. e. an online quiz based on the self-assessments preceding it), and also write a brief essay on a topic of his or her special interest at the conclusion of the course.

In addition, the university can arrange for face to face meetings. Special events like workshops and concerts will be organized after gauging the interest among participants and the circumstances that would favour this option.

Technical requirements:

Internet access and a modern multimedia computer, equipped with CD-Rom or DVD drive, and sound card. You need to be familiar with the multimedia functions of an internet browser and able to use e-mail. Technical advice will be available if needed. Course Author and Tutor

Ludwig Pesch Carnatic flautist; Diploma and Postdiploma of the Kalakshetra College Chennai, music teacher, book author, cultural advisor of the Goethe-Institute Chennai, decorated with the "Cross of the Order of Merit" (Bundesverdienstkreuz). Participants

Students are interested in Indian music and its cultural impact. As this course is delivered world-wide, a stimulating discussion will arise in the intercultural classroom. Active participation is therefore both a requirement and an added value. A wealth of practical examples and exercises has been included for the benefit of participants with backgrounds as diverse as teachers, musicians, managers in the fields of media, culture and special education. Previous knowledge of the subject is not required. The level of the course is, however, academic and demanding. Participants not yet at home in the field of e-learning will benefit from a special introductory module which is accessed online and synchronizes with the CD-ROM accompanying the course. Course dates

The course will be online from October 20, 2003 until February, 15, 2004. This paced course is designed to facilitate interaction among participants, course tutor and experts. Assignments for each module need to be completed within a given period of time. Participants who are already partly familiar with the subject may also opt for using the course in a self-paced manner within the online period.

Fees
The course fee is Euro 188,00 or equivalent in US- Dollars.

The fee includes access to the course, database CDROM (sent to you by mail), tuition, marked assignments, essay assessment, and technical advice (hotline).

Face to face meetings, workshops and concerts can be organized by the university on request and on a cost covering basis.

The fee must be paid by banktransfer or cheque with all bank charges prepaid. Access to the course is granted upon receipt of fees and within the duration stipulated by the university.

Contact:

Universitaet Lueneburg
Fernstudienzentrum
21332 Lueneburg
Germany
telephone:+ 49 (0) 41 31 78 14 00
telecopy:+ 49 (0) 41 31 78 14 10
e-mail: fz@uni-lueneburg.de
www.carnaticstudent.org

Ludwig Pesch
www.euronet.nl/users/l_pesch

Tel. +31 (0)20 - 685 60 44
E-mail ludwig@euronet.nl

Mail address/Postanschrift/Postadres:

Ludwig Pesch
Postbus 3350
1001 AD Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Published on 11 June 2003

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