The lecture element of the course begins with a discussion of early precursors of the guitar, to the development of the 6-string instrument in the late 18th century and the adaptation of common staff notation to published guitar music. It proceeds to cover the important composers, repertoire and associated cultural issues from 1800 to 1900 in first term and 1900 to present in second term. Graduate students will be given listening tests and will write two papers (one per term) specifically dealing with pre-classical guitar repertoire and present their research as a lecture. Finally, each student will choose one piece in each term and present it in historical context. The course will be administered with selected readings and discussion posted on Quercus.