Module description
Issues and Topics in Music (4 modules of 15 credits each, with each module divided into 2 equal sections) aims to offer a broad introduction to some of the main areas of music humanities study that students will encounter in their second and third years. These include:
1) an introduction to a key selection of music and music history from the Middle Ages to the twenty-first century; and
2) an introduction to contemporary topics and methodologies, such as jazz studies, ethnomusicology, or sound studies. The aim of these modules is to give students a solid basis of information and methodologies-a platform from which they can enter into the more specialised work of the second and third years.
Issues and Topics in Music 1 will together with Issues and Topics 2, 3 and 4 and without duplication cover 8 topics from the following lists, at least 3 of which will be taken from List A 'Historical Topics' and at least 3 from List B 'Contemporary Topics and Methodologies'. Each Issues and Topics module will cover 2 topics, and each topic will take up a half module.
The topics for this module are:
- 19th-Century Music
- Music After 1900
Assessment details
Two 1,500 word essays (50% each)
Educational aims & objectives
Issues and Topics in Music (4 modules of 15 credits each, with each module divided into 2 equal sections) aims to offer a broad introduction to some of the main areas of music humanities study that students will encounter in their second and third years. These include 1) an introduction to a key selection of music and music history from the Middle Ages to the twenty-first century; and 2) an introduction to contemporary topics and methodologies, such as jazz studies, ethnomusicology, or sound studies. The aim of these modules is to give students a solid basis of information and methodologies-a platform from which they can enter into the more specialised work of the second and third years.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practical skills appropriate to a Level 4 module and in particular will be able to:
- understand and write intelligently about some of the key concepts introduced in lectures
- comprehend some of the key texts (musical or otherwise) pertaining to the topics introduced in the module, and incorporate references to these in their written coursework (2 essays)
- show some understanding of the range of opinions scholars have advanced on the relevant issues and topics in music studies
- debate (in seminar groups) aspects of these issues and topics
Teaching pattern
The module will be taught via lectures and seminars.