Module: MUS4009-20 Musicology 2 (Global Contexts)

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: James Saunders

Module Tutor Contact Details: j.saunders@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module falls into two parts which run concurrently: Global Musical Styles and Research Issues in Musicology.

Global Musical Styles presents an overview of global musical styles including world music, popular, folk and jazz genres. Music from around the world is experienced and investigated in a practical manner where possible.

Research Issues in Musicology introduces essential musicological concepts such as historical performance practice, approaches to analysis, gender and fieldwork. You will learn basic precepts and methodologies of ethnomusicology as well as methodologies for the analysis of popular music.

The module aims to:

• Introduce a wide range of music from other cultures and genres that are not part of Western classical art music.
• Introduce current and important issues related to the study and research of all music both philosophical and methodological.

2. Outline syllabus:

Weekly practical workshops may include Gamelan, Andean music, Blues, African music (Mbira, drumming, dancing), Swing (dance), folk, early music instruments, Klezmer. The programme of practical workshops will be built around visiting specialists.

Lecture topics will include popular music before the Second World War, jazz in the 1920s and 1930s, music in the Islamic world, folk music revivals in Britain and America, popular music after WW2, Music in Africa, etc., as well as research issues include gender, historically informed performance practice, approach to analysis, fieldwork and the impact of technology on music.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

• Weekly practical workshops with visiting specialists/performers.
• Weekly lectures on aspects of global music and research issues.

Assessment Item 1:

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

Assessment Item 2:

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