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The Art of Listening (MU 203)

The Art of Listening (MU 203)
Through guided listening and an investigation of the cultural histories behind selected works from the western musical tradition--from medieval chant to pop--this course helps students become more perceptive and informed listeners. The ability to read music is not a prerequisite. Fulfills fine arts core requirements.

Faculty biography

Dr. Remi Chiu is a specialist in music and medical history. His book, Plague and Music in the Renaissance, was published in 2017. His current work focuses on musical activities in 19th-century "freakshows" and other quasi-scientific entertainments. His thoughts and writings on music-making during the COVID lockdowns have been featured in The Guardian, NPR, and PBS.

Foundations of Philosophy - The Examined Life (PL 201)

Socrates, at his trial, turns to his fellow citizens and offers the following admonition: "it is the greatest good for man to discuss virtue every day and those other things about which you hear me conversing and testing myself and others, for the unexamined life is not worth living" (Apology, 38a). Four things are revealed in Socrates' words that should command our attention.; First is the claim itself that an unexamined life is not worth living; it is not a life for human beings. Second is the claim that this is not a good among any number of goods . . . it is the greatest good. Third is the suggestion that this good is not to be pursued in solitude but in discourse, in conversation with others. Last, and perhaps most difficult to appreciate, is the reminder that philosophy is an activity, a way of being in the world. The course begins with Socrates, and Socrates will serve as a model to guide our conversation as we explore the question: What is the good life?

Faculty Biography

Dr. Jim Snow holds the title of Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy. As an undergraduate he studied ancient Greek and philosophy. He went on to earn a M.A. degree in philosophy and Jewish studies, and a Ph.D. in philosophy at Temple University. He studied culinary arts at L’Acadamie de Cuisine where he also taught as a chef's assistant. His published work is in the area of genocide; he frequently gives talks on philosophy and genocide in the U.S. and Europe.

Professor Snow is an avid motorcyclist. He and his wife Dale (also a member of the philosophy department) have toured much of the continental U.S. on an old Harley-Davidson and eight European countries on their Ducati. They make their home in Guilford, a five-minute walk from campus, where they foster and rehabilitate abandoned and damaged pit bulls for a rescue organization.

Mentor Biography

Coming soon!

Virtual Advisor

Both courses in this pairing satisfy core requirements for all students.