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Course begins July 20, 2025
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Weekly live sessions from 1:00 to 3:00pm Eastern U.S. time
Session 1
Egeria and her Role in the Development of the Medieval Catholic Liturgy
Our first lesson explores Egeria, a 4th-century Christian pilgrim whose travel writings document early liturgical practices in Jerusalem. Her detailed observations provide insight into the development of medieval Catholic liturgy, especially in how women participated in worship. We will discuss her influence on the standardization of Christian rituals and the role her texts played in shaping early medieval devotional music.
Session 2
Byzantine Chant and Hymns: The Compositions of Kassia
This week we examine Kassia, a 9th-century abbess and one of the earliest known female composers whose works still survive. Topics include Byzantine chant traditions, her hymnography, and the development of female monasticism in early Eastern Christianity. Kassia’s music reflects theological depth and poetic skill, showcasing the vital contribution of women to Eastern Christian musical heritage.
Session 3
Music and Religious Life in Western Europe
This week focuses on music in Western European monasticism, tracing the rise of convents and religious music from Late Antiquity to the Middle Ages. We study Hildegard von Bingen’s life, visionary theology, and original compositions. We will also explore Saint Birgitta’s foundation of a new religious order and the associated music. Both women shaped sacred music in their respective religious communities.
Session 4
The Trobairitz and Courtly Love
Explore the Trobairitz—the female counterparts of the Troubadours—focusing on Beatritz de Dia and her songs of courtly love. We compare their themes, roles, and musical styles to those of male troubadours. This week highlights how these talented women navigated and challenged gender norms through lyrical expression and participation in aristocratic musical culture.
Session 5
Music in Secular Life: Women as Musical Patrons, Performers, and Listeners
This week we continue to look at music beyond the convent, focusing on women’s roles as patrons, performers, and listeners in daily secular life. Topics include gendered expectations around instruments, lullabies and domestic songs, and figures like Eleanor of Aquitaine who supported the arts. We examine how music shaped and reflected women’s secular experiences and identities.
Session 6
Stereotypes of Women in Medieval Song and Poetry
In our final session, we explore how medieval music portrayed women through recurring archetypes such as the virgin, evil temptress, mother, and saint. Analyzing a variety of songs, we consider how music reinforced or subverted gender stereotypes. This week invites critical discussion about medieval perceptions of femininity, morality, and power.
Meet Your Instructor
Sonja Maurer-Dass
Sonja Maurer-Dass is a Canadian musicologist and harpsichordist. She is a PhD candidate in Musicology at The University of Western Ontario (London, Ontario, Canada) where she will complete her doctorate in the summer of 2025. Additionally, she holds a master’s degree in Musicology specializing in late medieval English choral music from York University (Toronto, Canada). Sonja has taught Baroque music history at McMaster University (Hamilton, ON, 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.”
