Program Overview

Introduction to the World Arts and Music Program

The World Arts and Music program is a master's degree offered by the University of Bern, Switzerland. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of global arts and music, focusing on non-Western and popular traditions.

Program Description

The World Arts and Music program combines the study of artistic expressions and their media dissemination with the framework of cultural studies. It aims to overcome established boundaries between disciplines and includes sociological, political, economic, and historiographical perspectives. The program covers a wide range of artistic expressions from around the world, including music, dance, theater, and visual arts.

Program Objectives

The program's primary objective is to provide students with central knowledge of Western and non-Western music, art, and literature traditions from perspectives such as globalization, inter-/transculturality, and cultural anthropology. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to apply cultural science theories and methods, field research and interview techniques, and work with digital media in various professional fields, including cultural journalism, cultural management, cultural policy, and intercultural music, art, and theater pedagogy.

Curriculum

The program's curriculum includes a variety of courses that cover different aspects of global arts and music. Some of the key areas of study include:

• Globalization and its impact on arts and music
• Inter-/transculturality and its role in shaping artistic expressions
• Cultural anthropology and its application to the study of arts and music
• Non-Western and popular music traditions
• Art and literature from around the world

Research Areas

The program's research areas focus on the analysis of artistic expressions and their media dissemination, including:

• Music and dance from different cultures
• Theater and performance studies
• Visual arts and their cultural context
• Cultural studies and anthropology

Program Structure

The program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive education in global arts and music. It includes:

• Core courses that cover the fundamentals of the program
• Elective courses that allow students to specialize in specific areas
• A master's thesis that demonstrates the student's ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems

Assessment and Evaluation

Student assessment and evaluation are based on a variety of methods, including:

• Written exams and assignments
• Oral presentations and discussions
• Research papers and projects
• Participation and engagement in class

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the World Arts and Music program can pursue a variety of career opportunities, including:

• Cultural journalism and criticism
• Cultural management and policy
• Inter-cultural music, art, and theater pedagogy
• Research and academia
• Arts administration and festival management

Conclusion

The World Arts and Music program at the University of Bern offers a unique and comprehensive education in global arts and music. With its focus on non-Western and popular traditions, the program provides students with a broad understanding of artistic expressions from around the world. The program's interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on cultural studies make it an ideal choice for students who want to pursue a career in the arts, cultural management, or research.