Film & Media Studies 378 - Music Technology from Analog to AI

Musical instruments are some of the oldest examples of technical interfaces across cultures. Music theory, notation, and recording, are some of the earliest tools for inscribing, storing, and sharing data. This seminar considers how key moments in the evolution of music technology have reflected historical, social, cultural, and political contexts. Histories of acoustics, the telephone, and radio inform the platforms and tools we use today. In considering the most recent developments in music technology and generative AI, students will also read work interrogating algorithms, data, surveillance, and platforms. This class will include weekly reading responses and a final paper and conference-style presentation that presents novel research or responds critically to one or more class readings.  

Fall semester. Professor Krishnaswami

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Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: independent research, oral presentations, readings in critical theory