Module: MUS4008-20 Musicology 1 (Historical Contexts)

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Matthew Sergent

Module Tutor Contact Details: m.sergeant@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module examines music in its historical and socio-cultural context, exploring a range of genres and music-making contexts. Through this module, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of important issues in musicological study and gain a deep familiarity with examples of repertoire from across a range of periods and styles. In doing so, this module will provide you with a broad and thorough understanding of the principal themes in contemporary musicology and the principal literature with which this is associated. In addition, the module will equip you with the skills to write about music in an informed and scholarly capacity.

2. Outline syllabus:

This module explores a range of different historical narratives that run through and across music history. Such narratives may involve issues surrounding music and socio-cultural change; music and its influence by technological developments; the development of musical aesthetics; and/or the development of compositional technique(s). The module will explore a variety of musical styles and genres, with reference to classical, jazz, and popular music. In addition, the module will provide you will the necessary study skills techniques, and resources required to research and write about music at this level.

3. Teaching and learning activities

The module will be delivered via a concurrent series of lectures and study skills seminars. The lecture series will present a variety of important themes in music and its socio-cultural and historical context. The study skills seminars will operate as a series of seminars/workshops that will develop your skills in writing about and researching musicological issues at this advanced level.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW
• Description: Essay (2000 words)
• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW
• Description: Listening Test
• % Weighting: 50%