Early heavy metal - music, culture, and aesthetics (HME100)
The course concentrates on musical, historical, and aesthetic characteristics of the so-called heavy metal music in its early period (c. from the late 1960s to the late 1980s).
The teaching is in English. Coursework requirements and exams can be written in Norwegian or English.
There is a requirement of enough applicants for the course to run.
Course description for study year 2025-2026
Course code
HME100
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
5
Semester tution start
Spring
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English
Admission requirements
General university admissions certification (GSK)
Content
Musical, historical, and aesthetic characteristics of early heavy metal music. Sonic characteristics of the distorted guitar and its effects on compositional choices. Historical and stylistic development and their various musical sources and cultural environments. Musical and visual aesthetics and preferences of different heavy metal sub-styles of the era.
Provisional literature:
- Lilja, Esa (forthcoming 2025) "Perspectives on Harmony in Early Heavy Metal: Chords, Modes, Functions, and Texture." In The Routledge Companion to Heavy Metal Composition: Structures, Expressions, and Productions. Edited by Ciro G. Scotto and Lori Burns. Routledge Press.
- Lilja, Esa (2009) Theory and Analysis of Classic Heavy Metal Harmony. Vantaa: IAML Finland. Select chapters/pages.
- Weinstein, Deena (2000 or later edition) Heavy Metal - The Music and Its Culture. [S.l.]: Da Capo Press. Select chapters/pages.
Learning outcome
A candidate who has completed and passed the course should have the following learning outcomes in the form of:
General competence
- Can critically reflect on the subject, its sources, and its relevance to one’s primary field of study.
Knowledge
- Can express one’s views on the topics logically and critically based on sources, both orally and in writing.
Skills
- Understanding of the historical formation of early heavy metal, its musical sources and main characteristics, its cultural surroundings and aesthetic preferences.
Required prerequisite knowledge
Recommended prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge:
Academic writing or similar.
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reflektsjonstekst | 1/1 | Passed / Not Passed |
Coursework requirements
1. Attendance in classes.
2. Work requirements:
a. A reflective learning/lecture diary.
b. Weekly assignments (small tasks, e.g., presentations, literature reviews, aural analyses, quizzes, peer reviews, group work).
Course teacher(s)
Course coordinator:
Esa Olavi LiljaStudy Adviser:
Per-Erik PetersenMethod of work
Lectures, keeping a learning/lecture diary, small assignments (e.g., presentations, literature reviews, aural analyses, quizzes, peer reviews, group work).
5 credits correspond to 125 hours of working time. This course includes 10 lectures corresponding to approximately 20 hours. In addition to the lectures, students are expected to work independently for approximately 100 hours.
