Investigating Music: History and Culture

This module introduces you to the development of music in its historical and cultural contexts and explores the different ways in which music can be approached and understood.

Module content explores fundamental elements of music (including melody, harmony, texture and dynamics) and how these can be applied, together with other methods and techniques, to read, write and talk about a wide variety of different styles and genres of music, such as jazz, popular music, traditional music from around the world, and Western classical music.

You will also be introduced to the academic study of music and music research, equipping you with essential study and literacy skills – such as referencing, compiling a bibliography, essay writing techniques and critically evaluating source materials.

This will ensure you can meet the demands of writing assessments in the first year of the degree.

Learning and teaching

The module will be delivered through twenty 2-hour online, interactive sessions across both autumn and spring terms.

Topics include

• The development of music in historical and cultural contexts
• The fundamental elements of music (melody, harmony, texture, and dynamics) and their application
• Understanding genres and styles (including jazz, popular music, traditional music around the world, Western classical music)
• The academic study of music and music research

On completion of the module you will be able to:

• Demonstrate an awareness of the fundamental elements of music (including melody, harmony, texture, dynamics, etc.) and how these can be applied to a wide-range of music in different styles, genres and traditions;
• Provide evidence of knowledge of works/performances covered in the module and an understanding of their background and cultural contexts;
• Provide a coherent critical response to music heard and studied in score, using appropriate terminology;
• Demonstrate practical familiarity with both generic scholarly protocols and those specific to the study of music;
• Report succinctly and accurately the work of others, comparing and contrasting, and critically engaging with the work and approaches of different scholars.

Coursework and assessment

To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved. Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects.

The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning. Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.

For this course, you will undertake the following assessments:

Autumn (50%) - a comparative case study featuring two pieces/genres that explores understanding and application of the elements of music through EITHER a ‘poster’ task OR a ‘PowerPoint’ task.

Spring (50%) - contribute to an interactive, small-group presentation which focuses on two pieces/genres that explores the elements of music with a stronger focus on academic study skills (e.g. referencing and research).

Reading suggestions

You will be provided with comprehensive reading suggestions before the course begins.

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.