Liberal Arts

John Cage: His Life, Work, & Influence

Course No. HCS367X.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Christopher Auerbach-Brown

A course on the life and influence of John Cage. The class will detail his history and delve into his musical and artistic output, ideas, and influence on the creative arts today. Significant discussion will be given on his philosophies, aesthetics, innovations, and teachings. The course will also focus on Cage's connections to the visual arts, and how this connection impacted him artistically, while pushing him to formulate ideas that in turn were a significant and continuous influence on the visual arts community. The class will also touch on how Cage was able to make a living on the fringes of a capitalist society while maintaining the values of anarchy and hard work. Regular reading, writing, and listening assignments will be given in class, and students will be expected to create works of art or musical compositions which embody the legacy of John Cage, while pushing the boundaries of their own artistic processes. 3 credits.