Descriptif

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what really lies behind the lyrics of beautifully written, popular song?

Just like a page of fine literature, most songs have secret messages that have been well hidden

behind clever metaphors and colourful similes. Many of the themes from some of the world’s

greatest songs had already been written about more than 2000 years ago by the great Seneca,

and whose works have been translated for modern use. Their complexities have trickled down

throughout time and find themselves into some of our favorite tunes.

Literature of the 17th and 19th centuries is complex, often multi-layered and laboured with pro-

found meaning that are hidden in plain view. With the turning of each page, we delve deeper

and deeper into understanding the wild complexities that involve secrets passions, hidden ambi-

tions, schemes, unrequited love, pain, sorrow, lust, betrayal, grief, heartache, hopelessness and

even UTOPIC JOY! These are the same themes that we find in most well written songs.

This course allows engineering and business students to gain better insight about the music that has

shaped not only pop culture since the 1960s, but also the world in which we live through sometimes

subtle, and sometimes in-your-face challenges to political systems from cold war times until today.

Course Focus

The 17th and 19th Century femmes fatales are the stars of this course. Their plight will be amplified

and made easier to understand through a juxtaposition against must from the late 20th Century up

to the current days of the 21st Century.

In this music appreciation class, we will discover the meaning behind some of the world’s most

iconic anthems. Just like the pages of the finest literature, metaphors are used in the best songs.

Together we will use the tools of academic textual analysis to uncover the mysteries that have al-

ways be visible, but still unseen… But be careful because language, like any living creature is or-

ganic. It evolves, and so do the connotations of it vocabulary. This means that one well placed

word may change your entire interpretation of you read!