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Course begins September 28, 2025
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Weekly live sessions from 1:00 to 3:00pm Eastern U.S. time
Session 1
Crusade Songs
From sacred anthems to sharp critique, the songs of the Crusades reveal music’s role in rallying the faithful and shaping medieval perceptions of war and piety. Explore how these stirring melodies and lyrics both mobilized armies and questioned the morality of religious conflict during some of the most turbulent times in medieval history.
Session 2
The Cantigas de Santa Maria
This week looks at royal devotion and Marian miracles in the Cantigas de Santa Maria from the court of Alfonso X. Discover how this visually stunning and musically rich manuscript celebrated the Virgin Mary, reinforcing both religious piety and political legitimacy in 13th-century Castile. Essentially, we will discuss the ways that music, poetry, and royal patronage intertwined to shape faith and power.
Session 3
The Las Huelgas Codex
Step inside a powerful convent where noblewomen and nuns performed sacred polyphony behind its walls. Uncover the political and religious significance of the Las Huelgas Codex, a remarkable Spanish manuscript that was created under royal patronage. Learn how music was a tool for spiritual devotion, female agency, and the assertion of monastic and royal authority in medieval society.
Session 4
The Roman de Fauvel
A cunning horse who attains political power? The clever satire of the Roman de Fauvel blends music, poetry, and illustration to expose corruption in church and state. Dive into this 14th-century French work that uses allegory and intricate motets to critique the moral decay of political and religious institutions. Examine how art and music served as weapons of social commentary and reform.
Session 5
Henry V and the Old Hall Manuscript
Warrior, king, and composer— explore how Henry V used music to project divine favour and royal authority. Discover the role of sacred polyphony in the English royal court during a time of war and political consolidation. The Old Hall Manuscript provides a unique glimpse into how music underpinned both spiritual life and monarchical power.
Session 6
Legacy and Transition: Music, Religion, and Power after the Middle Ages
For our last lesson, we will trace the evolution of medieval themes into the Renaissance and Reformation. Reflect on how the intersections of music, faith, and political authority transformed in the wake of changing religious doctrines, technological advances like music printing, and shifting political landscapes.
Meet Your Instructor
Sonja Maurer-Dass
Dr. Sonja Maurer-Dass is a Canadian musicologist and harpsichordist. She holds a PhD in Musicology from The University of Western Ontario (London, Ontario, Canada) and a master's degree in Musicology specializing in late medieval English choral music from York University (Toronto, Ontario, Canada). Sonja has taught Baroque music history at McMaster University (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) and undergraduate tutorials on different topics in musicology and music theory at The University of Western Ontario. Her work has been published in The Medieval Magazine, Ancient History Magazine, and on Medievalists.net.
“Prof Maurer-Dass was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about music. Her energy and confidence created an atmosphere in which I felt like I could ask questions, and enjoyed learning a topic that I initially would not be very interested in. I never felt judged in her class, and I loved her positivity, and that she always has a smile on her face. I can tell that she worked really hard to prep materials for us and I am extremely grateful.”
