Israeli Rock Music Explored in University Course
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Shlomi Amsalem, a lecturer and musician, is teaching a popular university course at Ben-Gurion University that uses Israeli rock music from the 1990s to explore culture and history. The course, now in its second year, features guest appearances by musicians and aims to foster understanding through music analysis. Limited to 94 students, it has high demand and includes student reflections shared with artists.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shlomi Amsalem teaches a university course using 90s Israeli rock to explore culture and history.
- The course at Ben-Gurion University has high demand and is in its second year.
- It features guest appearances by prominent Israeli musicians and cultural figures.
- Students analyze song lyrics and the production process in an intimate class setting.
- Amsalem also hosts a radio show and performs a related musical show.
Shlomi Amsalem, a lecturer and doctoral student at Ben-Gurion University, has developed a unique academic course that delves into Israeli rock music, particularly from the 1990s, as a lens through which to understand Israeli culture, identity, and history. Amsalem, who is also a musician, transforms his classroom into an engaging environment, often with a guitar in hand, making the academic experience feel akin to a rock concert rehearsal.
Amsalem's passion for music began in childhood, influenced by Israeli radio and international rock bands like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, before moving on to Israeli legends such as Shalom Hanoch and Arik Einstein. This deep connection to music, coupled with his background in education, inspired him to create the course. He views music as a powerful educational tool that can bridge cultural divides and foster a more inclusive and tolerant society among students from diverse backgrounds.
The idea for the course was solidified after a conversation with music expert Yoav Kutner, who gave his blessing to the concept. Amsalem collaborated with Professor Yigal Schwartz, head of the Interdisciplinary Studies Institute, who recognized the course's potential and provided academic support. The course, now in its second year, has seen high demand, with initial enrollment of 43 students growing significantly.
Students in the course analyze song lyrics and delve into the behind-the-scenes aspects of music production, including the writing process, album placement, and music video creation. The intimate class size, limited to 94 students, facilitates discussion and a close learning experience. The course also features live acoustic performances and masterclasses with prominent Israeli musicians and cultural figures, including Hami Rodner, Peter Roth, and former Galgalatz broadcaster Eran Avigal, who have shared their experiences and engaged with students.
Amsalem, who also hosts a radio show called "Kol HaRock" on Radio BGU and performs a show titled "The Golden Age of the 90s," believes that music provides a valuable educational and cultural experience. Students are required to submit reflections on artists or songs, which are then shared with the artists themselves, providing a unique feedback loop and a significant learning opportunity.