Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module MUSI2601: ADVANCED MUSICAL TECHNIQUES

Department: Music

MUSI2601: ADVANCED MUSICAL TECHNIQUES

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • MUSI1151, MUSI1211

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To build on and develop first-year work in musical techniques.
  • To enhance technical understanding of music.
  • To provide students with the opportunity to become familiar with the harmonic practice and various compositional techniques employed by composers from 1730-1890.
  • To gain practical experience of pastiche composition selected from the following topics: 18th-century harmonic counterpoint; simple binary, ternary, and five-part forms; extended harmonic practices; piano, instrumental, and vocal textures.

Content

  • An exploration of advanced technical procedures and modes of structural organisation.
  • Study of a representative historical spectrum of musical styles and models.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students will become familiar with a range of compositional techniques appropriate to different historical periods within the time-frame 1730-1890.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students will achieve a basic competence in applying these skills practically through a series of preliminary formative exercises and summative assignments.
Key Skills:
  • The module will establish and embed technical understanding, while enhancing contexual knowledge of the period studied.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Combination of lectures and seminars, with supporting tutorials.
  • Regular formative exercises.
  • Teaching and learning will also include directed study of scores, appropriate background reading, and listening to prescribed works.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 11 fortnightly 1 hr 11
Seminars 11 fornightly 1 hr 11
Tutorials 5 2+2+1 (termly) 1 hr 5
Reading and Preparation 173
TOTAL 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Assignment 1 Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Portfolio of pastiche exercises & accompanying commentaries commentary 1000 words 100% Yes
Component: Analytical essay/extended essay/portfolio Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Portfolio of pastiche exercises & accompanying commentaries commentary 1000 words 100% Yes

Formative Assessment:

Regular formative exercises plus formative feedback on first portfolio & commentary


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