2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
MUSS1030 Music in History and Culture
30 creditsClass Size: 111
Module manager: Dr Matthew Pritchard
Email: M.Pritchard1@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2017/18
Pre-requisite qualifications
AS/A level Music (grades A-C) and/or at least grade 5 ABRSM theory or practical qualification. If you have a musical qualification other than those listed please contact the School of Music (music@leeds.ac.uk).This module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module acquaints students with a varied palette of approaches to the study of music in culture, as well as a wide range of musics as objects of study. Beginning in semester 1 with a roughly chronological survey of topics in Western music history from the Renaissance to the present day, lecturers introduce key issues of historiography and cultural interpretation as they affect music. In the second semester more recent musical traditions, both ‘art’ and popular, are studied in relation to their political, economic, social and aesthetic dimensions. Students learn to listen to music in a critical and contextually informed manner, and to compare and critique scholarly interpretations of music.Objectives
On completion of this module, students should be able to:- demonstrate and apply appropriate critical skills and knowledge to the discussion of music in history and culture;
- articulate key concepts in a range of different musicological perspectives;
- listen to and critically appraise music from a diverse range of historical periods, genres and cultures;
- draw connections and forge links between each element of the module and with concurrent and previous studies;
- formulate and express convincing arguments cogently in written and verbal form;
- use and critique appropriate primary and secondary sources.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- demonstrate and apply appropriate critical skills and knowledge to the discussion of music in history and culture;
- articulate key concepts in a range of different musicological perspectives;
- listen to and critically appraise music from a diverse range of historical periods, genres and cultures;
- draw connections and forge links between each element of the module and with concurrent and previous studies;
- formulate and express convincing arguments cogently in written and verbal form;
- use and critique appropriate primary and secondary sources.
Syllabus
Students will explore a range of historical and cultural perspectives pertinent to the study of music. Topics for study may include but are not restricted to: periodisation in music history; the interrelationship of performance, composition and notation; audiences, listening and reception; the continuities between art, popular and other styles of music; concepts of 'authenticity'; music and ritual; music and the multinational corporation; the musician in contemporary society. In the first semester, a broad overview of all kinds of Western music ('popular', 'art', etc.) in their social and cultural contexts from the early modern period to the present day will be given In second semester, the module will be divided into units, which will address specific approaches to or related issues in the study of music in its performative, cultural, social, political, economic, or other contexts. Strategies for listening to music from a range of historical periods and styles will be explored and supported by the School’s weekly lunchtime concert series.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Concert | 20 | 1.00 | 20.00 |
| Lecture | 30 | 1.00 | 30.00 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
| Private study hours | 240.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 60.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300.00 | ||
Private study
- 3.5 hours reading/listening/preparation per taught contact hour (140 hours)- 20 hours written assignment preparation
- 30 hours examination preparation
- 50 hours module essay preparation.
Please note that both examinations and the 2500-word essay need to be passed in order to receive the module credits.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
- Seminar preparation and interaction; first written assignment is given oral and written feedback and discussed in a seminar before the end of Semester 1, so as to inform the student's research and preparation for the final essay.- Formal feedback is provided on all pieces of assessment across the module.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 900-1100 words | 20.00 |
| Essay | 2250 to 2750 words (this element must be passed) | 40.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 60.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Online MCQ | 2 hr 00 mins | 20.00 |
| Online MCQ | 2 hr 00 mins | 20.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 40.00 | |
Both exams are online MCQ examinations under exam conditions.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 21/09/2016
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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