Music and Modern Languages & Cultures BA

Music option modules:

History of Western Music

This module considers key moments in the history of Western music from the 1500s to the present day. Taking individual composers and works, it aims to introduce students to different approaches to the study of music history, the development of particular musical genres, and the impact of cultural, historical and geographical context on composers. In addition, the module will consider ways of writing about music, and the use of primary and secondary sources for informing critical discussions of the subject.

20 credits

Music of the World

As a foundation for more specialised studies in particular forms of music, the module introduces students to music as a phenomenon common to all humanity, and cultivates an awareness of the many different things that music can be and the many different ways in which people use and understand music. Lectures introduce a range of music cultures from around the world, emphasising how particular ways of making and structuring musical sound are suited to particular purposes and performance contexts. Student work includes a small midterm written assignment, a final transcription and analysis assignment and two online quizzes with listening examples.

20 credits

Harmony and Counterpoint

This module addresses the core skills of listening to and writing harmony and counterpoint accurately and critically. The module will also deal with musical nomenclature and terminology, and stylistic and formal elements of music. These will be taught against the musical context of the eighteenth century, and will serve to prepare students for compositional and analytical tasks in concurrent and future modules. It is linked with MUS133 - Materials of Music and will build on topics introduced in the first module.

10 credits

Technologies for Music

This module introduces students to a range of pertinent music technologies, focusing upon four key areas: sound recording, editing, transformation and representation. In each case, students experience some of the many ways in which specific technologies serve the many different music disciplines. They go on to learn the essential principals of those technologies, before learning how they work in practice.

10 credits

The Materials of Music

This module addresses the core skills of listening to music accurately and critically; writing melody, harmony and counterpoint with understanding; and musical leadership skills. The module will also deal with musical nomenclature and terminology, and stylistic and formal elements of music. These will be taught against the broad musical context of the Department and in order to prepare students for concurrent and future modules.

10 credits

Composition

Through a preliminary analysis of examples drawn from mainstream and contemporary musical literature students will be introduced to strategies for generating and shaping musical materials. In addition there will be some exploration of the technical and practical capabilities of musical instruments. Students will be required to produce coherently structured small-scale pieces which can be performed by members of the group.

20 credits

Performance

The course aims to develop the musical and intellectual abilities appropriate to solo performance. The theoretical background is considered, focusing on the aural and analytical skills essential to performance at an advanced level. Issues of style and interpretation as well as effective preparation and communication are addressed. Consideration is given to the varying demands of concert and studio work and performing with confidence. Attendance at a number of University concerts will be required.

20 credits

Composing Electronic Music

This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to compose various forms of electronic music. It introduces students to some of key figures within the field, surveys some of numerous musical genres and traditions that feed into this diverse form of artistic practice, and surveys a number of technologies and techniques typically used in the creation of electronic music. Students will learn how to process and develop a range of recorded and synthetic sound materials, before considering some of the various ways in which those materials may be used to compose electronic pieces.

10 credits

Folk Music Participation

This module is based upon participation in and preparation for folk sessions hosted by the Department of Music. Through intensive preparation of challenging repertoire, as well as the skills to enable improvised participation, students will develop their understanding of the demands and pleasures of session practice, and their knowledge of the repertoires concerned (British folk traditions), and be encouraged to reflect upon the roles and responsibilities of individual participants within the group. They will also be required to attend a professional ensemble concert or concerts within the university concert series.Module delivered through directed sessions on site; other sessions in venues around the city to be selected by the student.

10 credits

Music Psychology

This module aims to give musicians an awareness of the characteristics of scientific explanations and the problems and benefits of approaching music from a scientific perspective. It explores scientific approaches to music through selected topics in music psychology, such as psychoacoustics and music perception, music's evolutionary origins, and considers the benefits and value of music making and listening. Teaching and learning takes the form of lectures, demonstrations, collaborative learning, group-working in written and spoken forms.

10 credits

Popular Music Studies

This module provides an introduction to the study of popular music. The changing definitions of 'popular music' are explored in relation to their socio-cultural context, and major issues and debates in popular music studies are investigated. Classes involve lectures, group discussions and in-class tasks. Assessments include a 1500 word essay choosing a piece of popular music, examining its significant features and discussing what, and how, it communicates to the listener. Additionally a student will give a 15 minute group presentation drawing on the major themes of the module to analyse an artist or album.

10 credits

Ensemble Participation

This module is based upon participation in and preparation for rehearsals and performances of the ensembles hosted by the Department of Music: the University of Sheffield Symphony Orchestra, Wind Orchestra and Chamber Choir. Through intensive preparation of challenging repertoire, students will develop their understanding of the demands and pleasures of large ensemble performance and their knowledge of the repertoire concerned, and be encouraged to reflect upon the roles and responsibilities of individual performers within the group. They will also be required to attend a professional ensemble concert or concerts within the university concert series.

10 credits

Music annual modules:

Intermediate Performance

This module will introduce students to issues and techniques related to performance at an intermediate level. It will act as preparation for advanced performance at Level 3 and builds on the foundation work completed as part of Level 1 performance (MUS110).Students registered for the module will take individual instrumental/vocal lessons, which will run alongside lectures throughout the academic year.The module will be a pre-requisite for MUS334 (Level 3 Extended Recital).

20 credits

Intermediate Composition

Students will be guided in the development of an individual composition practice. Emphasis will be on crafting pieces of extended duration and writing skilfully for instrumental and vocal ensembles. Opportunities to compose collaboratively, write for visiting performers, and participate in concerts will be taken. Students will be encouraged to set up independent opportunities for hearing their work played. Some formative analytical work will be set and students will explore relevant repertoire through listening, score study and attendance at concerts. Scores will be produced to a professional standard.

20 credits

Musicology

This module introduces the discipline of musicology, outlining its nature, scope and history, and developing research skills and methodologies in three core areas: 1. music analysis; 2. archival research and editorial techniques (i.e. dealing with historical documents relating to music); and 3. `critical musicology', engaging with recent and contemporary debates in the discipline. The module offers a valuable foundation for other modules within the musicology pathway, and also for L3 dissertations addressing musicological topics.

20 credits

Psychology of Music: methods and applications

This module lays the foundation for students to be able to research a music psychological topic using psychological research methods and consider its relevance for musical life and the music profession. The module focusses on developing skills in psychological research approaches, through teaching that is problem-based, meaning that students work on research design and data collection methods to tackle an issue or problem that may be encountered in musical contexts. A combination of methods is considered including qualitative and quantitative data collection, reflection, observation and literature research. Included problems may relate to musical development, psychology of performance, and music engagement.

20 credits

Music Promotions

This practical module, running across two semesters, provides an introduction to key concepts and methods essential to effective music promotion. Students work in groups to plan and implement a promotion strategy for an event or music product release, applying theoretical principles of music promotion into practice. Supported through weekly lectures and seminars students will:Develop a deeper understanding of the operational elements of a music promotions project.Analyse strategic (including commercial) considerations involved in selecting music for promotion.Identify and apply financial and legal best practice in music promotion.Develop and implement strategies and techniques for publicising and marketing of music through traditional and digital media.Learn how to work more effectively in groups in the context of music promotion.Communicate effectively with external music industry professionals.Use techniques to reflect on their own practice and evaluate their group's effectiveness.

20 credits

Creative Applications of Music Technology

Creative Applications of Music Technology focuses upon the creative use of computers to produce sonic art and provides an opportunity for students to realise their own compositions, from initial source recordings, transformation and mixing through to the production of a work. The module creates an interesting synergy between art and science by allowing students to reflect upon basic science behind the processes involved and their implementation within an artistic discourse.

20 credits

Ethnomusicology

The module provides an introduction to ethnomusicology, the study of any music in relation to the culture and values of its users. Emphasis is placed on learning ethnomusicological theory and method, with knowledge of particular musical traditions used as case studies to apply these to. As far as possible, students ¿learn by doing¿, gaining direct experience in using ethnomusicological methods such as participant observation, ethnographic interviewing, documenting and recording musical events, and musical transcription and analysis. Assessment is through a sustained individual fieldwork project, with submissions comprising a proposal and ethics application, folio of fieldwork materials, and reflective essay.

20 credits

Music rotational modules:

These modules are taught on a two-year rotation:

Practical Musicianship

This module will introduce students to skills and techniques related to practical musicianship. By learning skills such as ensemble direction, improvisation, sight reading, reading in different clefs, transposition at sight and realising a graphic score, students will learn how to become more flexible as performers.

20 credits

Ensemble Performance Skills

This module will enable students with appropriate instrumental or vocal skills to develop ensemble playing, and will present students with the opportunity to interact with other musicians in a supervised situation. Ensembles will be formed according to available student resources, and an appropriate wide-ranging repertoire chosen for study. Particular attention will be paid to ensemble considerations, though technical matters and the development of stylistic awareness will also form an important part of the course.

20 credits

Orchestral Technique

The course aims to acquaint students with the principal orchestral techniques used by composers from the Classical period to the present, with the historical and stylistic context of those techniques, with the capabilities and limitations of individual orchestral instruments, and with their effect in combination. To promote judgement, facility and notational clarity in orchestration, by means of worked exercises. Passages from orchestral works are studied in detail using score and pre-recorded extracts. Characteristics of the principal orchestral instruments are studied, with explanatory demonstrations by student or staff specialists wherever possible.

20 credits

Sound and Moving Image

This module will give students the opportunity to create sound to picture and familiarise themselves with a variety of software. Students will be responsible for the entire project from the ideas stage through the creation of all audio materials. A range of existing movies, visual musical works and relevant literary texts will be studied; students are expected to use these to inform their own work and will be encouraged to explore the audiovisual medium in as many different forms as possible.

20 credits

Music in Renaissance Europe

This module will offer an accessible introduction to the sounds, styles and contexts of music in Europe from about 1400 to about 1600. The period encompasses some of the most beautiful vocal music ever written, and some startling innovations in musical style and compositional technique, much of it bankrolled by dastardly Machiavellian princes with dubious political motives. The Renaissance also encompasses seismic technological shifts (e.g. the invention of printing) and ideological battles (e.g. the Reformation) with profound consequences for European musical culture. No previous knowledge of Renaissance music required.

20 credits

Baroque Music

This module will give students the opportunity to research vocal and instrumental music dating from ca.1600 to ca.1750, covering context, analysis, editorial techniques, and performance practice. No previous experience of early music is required.

20 credits

Mozart in Vienna, 1781-1791

This course examines Mozart's career as performer and composer in Vienna (1781-91), looking at the environments and circumstances in which he worked and the aesthetic contexts in which he thrived. Topics will include: the circumstances that led Mozart to move from Salzburg to Vienna in 1781; his career as a performer; aesthetic, historical and contextual issues in 1780s Vienna; Mozart's instrumental, operatic and sacred works composed in Vienna; Mozart's status as a musical-cultural icon in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

20 credits

The Broadway Musical

The Broadway musical is often seen as one of America's most original and lasting contributions to music and theatre. This module will examine the development of the musical from Kern's Show Boat to the present day. The course will look at musicals by the Gershwins, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Kander & Ebb and more recent shows by creative teams such as Lopez & Marx (Avenue Q). As well as considering the subject matter, lyrics and music of Broadway musicals, the course will also explore the nature of the collaborative process between composer, lyricist, choreographer and book writer.

20 credits

Music and Wellbeing

This course will provide students with knowledge of how music interventions are designed and actioned in order to support health and wellbeing challenges. The module will cover four health-related topics; topics will vary in order to reflect the latest research and areas of public interest. Examples of possible topics include dementia, Parkinson¿s disease, aphasia, and autism spectrum. Teaching sessions will feature input from music therapists as well as community care projects. Students will conduct short reflective assignments to consider whether/ how music helps wellbeing outcomes, and will have the opportunity to develop a proposal for their own music-based wellbeing intervention.

20 credits

Music Psychology in Everyday Life

The aim of the course is to introduce students to theories, empirical investigations and applications of music psychology relevant to everyday life. As part of the course, students will look into diverse uses of music in different everyday situations including commercial settings, therapeutic and clinical settings and at home, the reasons for the use of music in these situations and possible explanations of music's ability to support social, emotional and therapeutic functions. The course will be delivered through lectures, group discussions, and small research projects.

20 credits

Music Placements

The module provides an opportunity for students to examine in depth a working environment of interest to them and to undertake work-related learning in a professional music setting. Students will negotiate their own placement with the support of tutors and will also have access to a directory of local and national organisations that they could approach. Through seminar sessions, students will be supported in preparing for their placement and for module assessments. Through experience of a work environment, students will develop specialist knowledge, reflective skills and a critical awareness of primary research methods.

20 credits

Community, Music and Education

This module provides a theoretical and practical introduction to music in education and community settings, and aims to give students an awareness of musical learning in its broadest sense, from the formal classroom setting and instrumental studio to the work done by community support groups and in health care units, to more recreational musical practice in the community. The module will consider the nature of teaching and learning in music, the benefits and challenges of musical participation, and the range of contexts in which music creates and defines communities and identities. Questions of music's place in the curriculum, the relationship between school and home music, and the challenges of providing a vibrant musical education for all people, will be addressed in lectures and discussions. Students will work in mentored groups to investigate and support community music-making or school-based music education in Sheffield, and will be guided in auditing their own skills and employability as deliverers or managers of community music and/or music education. Although the course is by no means a complete training for teaching or community arts work, it will seek to extend students' knowledge and awareness of music and its contribution to education and society, through critical reflection on published research evidence, and through school and community fieldwork visits.

20 credits

Sound Recording Practice

Sound Recording Practice examines the fundamental theories of recording. It focuses upon the recording of classical and popular music and provides an opportunity for students to realise their own recordings, overseeing production from an initial planning stage through to the semi-commercial production of Compact Disc. The module also examines the practice of field recordings, location recording and session based recordings, taking into account session management, editing, engineering and directing. The course looks at the science of microphones, mixers, and computer based editors and compares students' practice based examples with the examples from the commercial sector.

20 credits

Traditional Music in the Modern World

The module provides an introduction to the study of folk and traditional music, focussing on contemporary folk music cultures of Eurpoe, the British Isles and America. A range of approaches (ethnomusicology; critical and culture theory; political theory) are used to consider the traditional identities these music cultures construct, and how they relate to their modern, economic, political and technological contexts. Past and current definitions of the terms folk music and traditional music are explored, and music cultures are investigated in terms of specific debates and contexts, such as revivalism, nationalism, institutionalisation, competition and education.

20 credits

Topics in Popular Music

This module explores in depth, a range of models, case studies and themes for the study of Popular Music. Students are introduced to varying analytical and critical approaches to the study of popular musics in global perspective, with topics including (e.g.): how popular musicians learn; popular music and humour; popular music as world music; reading popular music `texts'; understanding business models; and conducting a popular music ethnography. As well as developing a factual knowledge of the genres covered in the module, students will develop a critical awareness of research methods and discursive themes in the field of popular music studies.

20 credits

World Music Performance

On this unit students acquire a practice-based understanding of one world music tradition (selected in advance by the course tutor), improving their musical performance skills and experiencing first-hand the modes of transmission that are part of the tradition. Through performance-based seminars, they learn to play and/or sing in the style offered, backing up that experience with theoretical knowledge derived from ethnomusicological literature. Their learning is also supported by a writing-based project, supported by seminars/tutorials as appropriate, which results in a learning journal, documenting and reflecting on the learning experience.

20 credits

Music annual modules:

Intermediate Performance

This module will introduce students to issues and techniques related to performance at an intermediate level. It will act as preparation for advanced performance at Level 3 and builds on the foundation work completed as part of Level 1 performance (MUS110).Students registered for the module will take individual instrumental/vocal lessons, which will run alongside lectures throughout the academic year.The module will be a pre-requisite for MUS334 (Level 3 Extended Recital).

20 credits

Intermediate Composition

Students will be guided in the development of an individual composition practice. Emphasis will be on crafting pieces of extended duration and writing skilfully for instrumental and vocal ensembles. Opportunities to compose collaboratively, write for visiting performers, and participate in concerts will be taken. Students will be encouraged to set up independent opportunities for hearing their work played. Some formative analytical work will be set and students will explore relevant repertoire through listening, score study and attendance at concerts. Scores will be produced to a professional standard.

20 credits

Musicology

This module introduces the discipline of musicology, outlining its nature, scope and history, and developing research skills and methodologies in three core areas: 1. music analysis; 2. archival research and editorial techniques (i.e. dealing with historical documents relating to music); and 3. `critical musicology', engaging with recent and contemporary debates in the discipline. The module offers a valuable foundation for other modules within the musicology pathway, and also for L3 dissertations addressing musicological topics.

20 credits

Psychology of Music: methods and applications

This module lays the foundation for students to be able to research a music psychological topic using psychological research methods and consider its relevance for musical life and the music profession. The module focusses on developing skills in psychological research approaches, through teaching that is problem-based, meaning that students work on research design and data collection methods to tackle an issue or problem that may be encountered in musical contexts. A combination of methods is considered including qualitative and quantitative data collection, reflection, observation and literature research. Included problems may relate to musical development, psychology of performance, and music engagement.

20 credits

Music Promotions

This practical module, running across two semesters, provides an introduction to key concepts and methods essential to effective music promotion. Students work in groups to plan and implement a promotion strategy for an event or music product release, applying theoretical principles of music promotion into practice. Supported through weekly lectures and seminars students will:Develop a deeper understanding of the operational elements of a music promotions project.Analyse strategic (including commercial) considerations involved in selecting music for promotion.Identify and apply financial and legal best practice in music promotion.Develop and implement strategies and techniques for publicising and marketing of music through traditional and digital media.Learn how to work more effectively in groups in the context of music promotion.Communicate effectively with external music industry professionals.Use techniques to reflect on their own practice and evaluate their group's effectiveness.

20 credits

Creative Applications of Music Technology

Creative Applications of Music Technology focuses upon the creative use of computers to produce sonic art and provides an opportunity for students to realise their own compositions, from initial source recordings, transformation and mixing through to the production of a work. The module creates an interesting synergy between art and science by allowing students to reflect upon basic science behind the processes involved and their implementation within an artistic discourse.

20 credits

Ethnomusicology

The module provides an introduction to ethnomusicology, the study of any music in relation to the culture and values of its users. Emphasis is placed on learning ethnomusicological theory and method, with knowledge of particular musical traditions used as case studies to apply these to. As far as possible, students ¿learn by doing¿, gaining direct experience in using ethnomusicological methods such as participant observation, ethnographic interviewing, documenting and recording musical events, and musical transcription and analysis. Assessment is through a sustained individual fieldwork project, with submissions comprising a proposal and ethics application, folio of fieldwork materials, and reflective essay.

20 credits

Music rotational modules:

These modules are taught on a two-year rotation:

Practical Musicianship

This module will introduce students to skills and techniques related to practical musicianship. By learning skills such as ensemble direction, improvisation, sight reading, reading in different clefs, transposition at sight and realising a graphic score, students will learn how to become more flexible as performers.

20 credits

Ensemble Performance Skills

This module will enable students with appropriate instrumental or vocal skills to develop ensemble playing, and will present students with the opportunity to interact with other musicians in a supervised situation. Ensembles will be formed according to available student resources, and an appropriate wide-ranging repertoire chosen for study. Particular attention will be paid to ensemble considerations, though technical matters and the development of stylistic awareness will also form an important part of the course.

20 credits

Orchestral Technique

The course aims to acquaint students with the principal orchestral techniques used by composers from the Classical period to the present, with the historical and stylistic context of those techniques, with the capabilities and limitations of individual orchestral instruments, and with their effect in combination. To promote judgement, facility and notational clarity in orchestration, by means of worked exercises. Passages from orchestral works are studied in detail using score and pre-recorded extracts. Characteristics of the principal orchestral instruments are studied, with explanatory demonstrations by student or staff specialists wherever possible.

20 credits

Sound and Moving Image

This module will give students the opportunity to create sound to picture and familiarise themselves with a variety of software. Students will be responsible for the entire project from the ideas stage through the creation of all audio materials. A range of existing movies, visual musical works and relevant literary texts will be studied; students are expected to use these to inform their own work and will be encouraged to explore the audiovisual medium in as many different forms as possible.

20 credits

Music in Renaissance Europe

This module will offer an accessible introduction to the sounds, styles and contexts of music in Europe from about 1400 to about 1600. The period encompasses some of the most beautiful vocal music ever written, and some startling innovations in musical style and compositional technique, much of it bankrolled by dastardly Machiavellian princes with dubious political motives. The Renaissance also encompasses seismic technological shifts (e.g. the invention of printing) and ideological battles (e.g. the Reformation) with profound consequences for European musical culture. No previous knowledge of Renaissance music required.

20 credits

Baroque Music

This module will give students the opportunity to research vocal and instrumental music dating from ca.1600 to ca.1750, covering context, analysis, editorial techniques, and performance practice. No previous experience of early music is required.

20 credits

Mozart in Vienna, 1781-1791

This course examines Mozart's career as performer and composer in Vienna (1781-91), looking at the environments and circumstances in which he worked and the aesthetic contexts in which he thrived. Topics will include: the circumstances that led Mozart to move from Salzburg to Vienna in 1781; his career as a performer; aesthetic, historical and contextual issues in 1780s Vienna; Mozart's instrumental, operatic and sacred works composed in Vienna; Mozart's status as a musical-cultural icon in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

20 credits

The Broadway Musical

The Broadway musical is often seen as one of America's most original and lasting contributions to music and theatre. This module will examine the development of the musical from Kern's Show Boat to the present day. The course will look at musicals by the Gershwins, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Kander & Ebb and more recent shows by creative teams such as Lopez & Marx (Avenue Q). As well as considering the subject matter, lyrics and music of Broadway musicals, the course will also explore the nature of the collaborative process between composer, lyricist, choreographer and book writer.

20 credits

Music and Wellbeing

This course will provide students with knowledge of how music interventions are designed and actioned in order to support health and wellbeing challenges. The module will cover four health-related topics; topics will vary in order to reflect the latest research and areas of public interest. Examples of possible topics include dementia, Parkinson¿s disease, aphasia, and autism spectrum. Teaching sessions will feature input from music therapists as well as community care projects. Students will conduct short reflective assignments to consider whether/ how music helps wellbeing outcomes, and will have the opportunity to develop a proposal for their own music-based wellbeing intervention.

20 credits

Music Psychology in Everyday Life

The aim of the course is to introduce students to theories, empirical investigations and applications of music psychology relevant to everyday life. As part of the course, students will look into diverse uses of music in different everyday situations including commercial settings, therapeutic and clinical settings and at home, the reasons for the use of music in these situations and possible explanations of music's ability to support social, emotional and therapeutic functions. The course will be delivered through lectures, group discussions, and small research projects.

20 credits

Music Placements

The module provides an opportunity for students to examine in depth a working environment of interest to them and to undertake work-related learning in a professional music setting. Students will negotiate their own placement with the support of tutors and will also have access to a directory of local and national organisations that they could approach. Through seminar sessions, students will be supported in preparing for their placement and for module assessments. Through experience of a work environment, students will develop specialist knowledge, reflective skills and a critical awareness of primary research methods.

20 credits

Community, Music and Education

This module provides a theoretical and practical introduction to music in education and community settings, and aims to give students an awareness of musical learning in its broadest sense, from the formal classroom setting and instrumental studio to the work done by community support groups and in health care units, to more recreational musical practice in the community. The module will consider the nature of teaching and learning in music, the benefits and challenges of musical participation, and the range of contexts in which music creates and defines communities and identities. Questions of music's place in the curriculum, the relationship between school and home music, and the challenges of providing a vibrant musical education for all people, will be addressed in lectures and discussions. Students will work in mentored groups to investigate and support community music-making or school-based music education in Sheffield, and will be guided in auditing their own skills and employability as deliverers or managers of community music and/or music education. Although the course is by no means a complete training for teaching or community arts work, it will seek to extend students' knowledge and awareness of music and its contribution to education and society, through critical reflection on published research evidence, and through school and community fieldwork visits.

20 credits

Sound Recording Practice

Sound Recording Practice examines the fundamental theories of recording. It focuses upon the recording of classical and popular music and provides an opportunity for students to realise their own recordings, overseeing production from an initial planning stage through to the semi-commercial production of Compact Disc. The module also examines the practice of field recordings, location recording and session based recordings, taking into account session management, editing, engineering and directing. The course looks at the science of microphones, mixers, and computer based editors and compares students' practice based examples with the examples from the commercial sector.

20 credits

Traditional Music in the Modern World

The module provides an introduction to the study of folk and traditional music, focussing on contemporary folk music cultures of Eurpoe, the British Isles and America. A range of approaches (ethnomusicology; critical and culture theory; political theory) are used to consider the traditional identities these music cultures construct, and how they relate to their modern, economic, political and technological contexts. Past and current definitions of the terms folk music and traditional music are explored, and music cultures are investigated in terms of specific debates and contexts, such as revivalism, nationalism, institutionalisation, competition and education.

20 credits

Topics in Popular Music

This module explores in depth, a range of models, case studies and themes for the study of Popular Music. Students are introduced to varying analytical and critical approaches to the study of popular musics in global perspective, with topics including (e.g.): how popular musicians learn; popular music and humour; popular music as world music; reading popular music `texts'; understanding business models; and conducting a popular music ethnography. As well as developing a factual knowledge of the genres covered in the module, students will develop a critical awareness of research methods and discursive themes in the field of popular music studies.

20 credits

World Music Performance

On this unit students acquire a practice-based understanding of one world music tradition (selected in advance by the course tutor), improving their musical performance skills and experiencing first-hand the modes of transmission that are part of the tradition. Through performance-based seminars, they learn to play and/or sing in the style offered, backing up that experience with theoretical knowledge derived from ethnomusicological literature. Their learning is also supported by a writing-based project, supported by seminars/tutorials as appropriate, which results in a learning journal, documenting and reflecting on the learning experience.

20 credits

Music final year projects

Recital

This unit constitutes a practical examination of a cross-section where each student will explore and investigate appropriate styles of interpretation and performance for a representative range of repertoire, from the classical period to the present day, the whole informed by reference to recent musicological scholarship and current theories relating to performance practice. Work will be supported and supplemented by individual instrumental instituton. If preferred, a themed recital may be programmed. A 45-minute public recital demonstrating keen stylistic awareness, accomplished technical control, imaginative use of colour and texture and highly communicative. The student will engage with the audience in expressing their interpretations of chosen repertoire at a professional standard.

60 credits

Composition Portfolio

Creative Portfolio invites the candidate to collate a diverse body of work, including a number of small and medium-scale projects and two large-scale projects. The total duration should be around 25 - 40 minutes of music/sound, although this will vary depending upon the nature of the project. Total number of projects should not exceed 5. Projects may include musical compositions, works of sonic art, audio-visual pieces, sound installations, web based media/events, live-electronic performances, interactive media, amongst related uses of creative media. The portfolio will be accompanied by a 2,000 word commentary.

60 credits

Dissertation

To give students the opportunity to undertake the intensive study of a particular aspect of musical sound/material, behaviour or thinking, from the past or present; to demonstrate their ability to produce a substantial piece of scholarly written work; to enable them to consolidate and develop research techniques and critical skills; and to develop skills in writing and presentation. The dissertation need not involve original research but can be a conflation of existing knowledge. Dissertation topics should enable candidates to demonstrate the ability to place music in its historical and cultural context, and to support their arguments with informative comments based on detailed analysis. The length of the dissertation should be approximately 7,500 words.

20 credits

Special Project

This module allows students to negotiate a special project that does not conform to Dissertation, Performance and Composition, with topic agreed with tutors on a case-by-case basis and presentation and assessment criteria derived from the Department's existing criteria for written and creative work. It affords an opportunity for students to work with others outside of their discipline and to communicate their work to non-specialist audiences where appropriate. The student is asked to reflect upon their development as a scholar within an artistic discipline by developing novel work in one of the department's `pathways', and by so doing, enable the creation of a more specific profile in preparation for employment or further study. The module may include a placement activity.

20 credits