Module: PM7012-30 Song, Culture and Identity

Level: 7

Credit Value: 30

Module Tutor: Julianne Regan

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

1.Brief description and aims of module

Through this module you develop a systematic and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of strategies used in popular songwriting. You also exercise an enhanced ability to contextualize your own songs within the context of popular culture and acquire the skills and opportunity required to assist you in ascertaining your personal artistic identity. The module aims to:

• facilitate the individual’s professionalisation of their songwriting practice
• foster an environment wherein students can give and receive peer critique
• lay solid foundations upon which the student can build, augmenting their songwriting skills with a view to success in later modules

2.Outline syllabus

With reference to popular songs and the culture wherein they are embedded, you attend a series of lectures examining key developments in the musical, lyrical and structural development of song, with consideration of artist identity. The teaching approach is analytical and you consider strategies used by songwriters to convey discourse through various elements of songwriting such as sound, performance characteristics, musical quotation and use of or rejection of technology etc. Here you explore songs, genres and movements, set against their sociocultural context in a broad embrace of the influences which shape, songs, singers and their identities.

3.Teaching and learning activities

A range of lectures, workshops, seminars, tutorials, discussion and seminar explore concepts you have researched. You engage with either one-to-one or seminar group discussions about your work and concepts that you have researched.

In your independent study time, you undertake preparatory readings; view online video content, tasks and exercises. Either in class or tutorial, you examine and explore the content and result of your writing.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Critical reflection essay (3000 words)
• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Supporting audio-visual presentation of essay contents (15-20 minutes)
• % Weighting: 50%