Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

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

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

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

Subject-specific Knowledge:
Subject-specific Skills:
  • 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.
Key Skills:

    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%

    Formative Assessment:

    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