Modiwl WMP-4053:
Music and Ideas
Music and Ideas 2024-25
WMP-4053
2024-25
School of Arts, Culture And Language
Module - Semester 1
20 credits
Module Organiser:
John Cunningham
Overview
This module is taken by students across MA Music, Culture and Society, MMus Composition and Sonic Art, and MMus Performance. It allows students to undertake a detailed study of a focussed topic, typically on one or more aspects of the oeuvre of a composer or group of composers, a style or genre of music (usually within a defined historical period), or a repertoire of music that existed in a specific time/place or for a specific purpose. However, some topics take a broader theme, such as censorship. Different topics are offered each year. In addition, students also attend research seminars delivered by internal and external speakers on a range of topics related to music research and / or creative practice as research.
The module equips students with a profound knowledge of their chosen subject, while enabling them to develop their skills in musical analysis, source-based study, and contextual understanding. It also challenges students to apply their understanding to wider research / scholarship contexts.
The focussed study topics vary from year to year. Typically the module will begin with an introduction to the topic, followed by a detailed exploration of aspects within it, supported by contextual reading / listening and interpretations. The exact syllabus will change depending on the topic, but will typically include aspects such as: - contemporary cultural contexts - understanding the associated musical texts (and contexts) - reception - critique - compositional techniques - creativity - performance practice
The research seminars and concerts will be drawn from the departmental and school seminar series, with seminars given by internal and external speakers on a wide range of topics.
Assessment Strategy
Threshold (C– to C+, 50-59%) Work which demonstrates an understanding of the module content and the ability to think in an informed and logical manner, and which is expressed coherently.
Good (B– to B+, 60-69%) Work which demonstrates mastery of the module content and the ability to think in a considered manner, and which is expressed with clarity and acuity.
Excellent (A– to A*, 70-100%) Work which demonstrates new insight into the module content and the ability to think in an original and conceptual manner, and which is expressed persuasively.
Relevant Masters-level Explicit Marking Criteria (for Musicology, Composition, and/or Music Performance) will also be used when assessing student work on this module. These may be found on the Blackboard page for this module.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in an appropriate academic style.
- Evaluate the ideas of others as expressed in research or creative practice as research, and build upon them.
- Express advanced skills of criticism, critical thinking, and conceptual thinking in relation to the topic(s) studied.
- Summarise succinctly the ideas of others.
Assessment method
Report
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Written critical reflection on two research seminars attended. You must summarise the main points and critically evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of the arguments presented. You must demonstrate an engagement with the wider research area. This may take the form of a written evaluation (2000 words) or a recorded presentation (20 mins). To be submitted on the first day of the semester 1 assessment period.
Weighting
50%
Due date
06/01/2025
Assessment method
Logbook Or Portfolio
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Log book summary of reflections on the detailed topic seminars and a critical reflection on the series as a whole. You must demonstrate an engagement with further reading around the topic. To be submitted by Thursday of week 8 of semester 1.
Weighting
50%
Due date
14/11/2024