Program Overview

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Course Overview

Course Description

The course "Music, nature, and climate crisis" (MUSV1101) explores the relationship between music and nature, and how music can be used to confront the climate crisis. The course delves into the cultural and aesthetic frameworks that shape our relationship to nature, and examines how musicians, composers, and sound artists address the environmental crisis in their work.

Course Details

Course Content

The course covers topics such as:

• The relationship between music and nature
• Ecological thinking in music from different traditions and genres
• The cultural and aesthetic frameworks that shape our relationship to nature
• The role of music in understanding and addressing the climate crisis

Learning Outcome

Students who complete the course will:

• Gain knowledge of the social, cultural, and ethical aspects of the environmental crisis
• Deepen their understanding of the cultural and aesthetic frameworks that shape our relationship to nature
• Learn about specific musicians, composers, and sound artists who address the environmental crisis in their work
• Develop skills in critical listening, evaluation of musical materials, and cross-disciplinary thinking

Learning Methods and Activities

The course consists of:

• Weekly classes with lectures and seminar activities
• Student discussions and group work
• Written reflections and assignments

Compulsory Assignments

• Submission of three reflection notes
• A final assignment with a text length of circa 4,000-6,000 words

Examination

Examination Arrangement

The examination consists of an assignment with a weighting of 100/100.

Subject Areas

• Musicology
• Ecology

Course Information

Credits

7.5 credits

Level

Foundation courses, level I

Course Start

Spring 2026

Duration

1 semester

Language of Instruction

Norwegian

Location

Trondheim