Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2005-2006 (archived)
Module MUSI2371: ISSUES IN AESTHETICS
Department: MUSIC
MUSI2371:
ISSUES IN AESTHETICS
| Type |
Open |
Level |
2 |
Credits |
20 |
Availability |
Available in 2005/06 |
Module Cap |
None. |
Location |
Durham
|
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Excluded Combination of Modules
Aims
- To expose students to a range of views on questions of aesthetic value and the nature of the aesthetic experience, with particular reference to music.
Content
- The approach involves the study of (i) historically influential theories of art (eg.
- mimetic, expressive, formalist theories, together with theories of the aesthetic experience and of the work of art), and (ii) contemporary theories of art (eg.
- from critical theory, semiotics and post-structuralism).
- Examples of topics which might be covered in any one year: Problems in the evaluation and criticism of music.
- The integrity of the musical work as object and the concept of autonomy.
- The function of art in a mass culture.
- Technology and the arts.
- Notions of authenticity in music.
- Canonicity and gender.
- Problems of form and genre.
Learning Outcomes
- The outcomes of the module are to acquire and develop the following skills:
- familiarity with the body of knowledge of aesthetics.
- ability to think critically and question received notions of value and through placing ideas about music and aesthetic experience in a larger conceptual context.
- ability to articulate ideas and present arguments clearly to others, both orally and in written form.
- ability to engage in reasoned and informed debate.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to
the learning outcomes of the module
- Tutorials, seminars and essays.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity |
Number |
Frequency |
Duration |
Total/Hours |
|
| Tutorials |
3 |
Termly |
1 hour |
3 |
| Seminars |
22 |
Weekly |
1 hour |
22 |
| Preparation and Reading |
|
|
|
175 |
| Total |
|
|
|
200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Two Essays |
Component Weighting: 100% |
| Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
| essay 1 |
approximately 3000 words |
50% |
|
| essay 2 |
approximately 3000 words |
50% |
|
2 or 3 brief seminar papers of approx. 10 minutes each with feedback in tutorials.
■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University
