Module MUSI2621: Time and Rhythm

Department: Music

MUSI2621: Time and Rhythm

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To enhance technical understanding of music and analytical skills.
• To enhance ability of students to reflect conceptually on musical material, forms, and genres.
• To develop ability of students to compare musical techniques and principals between different traditions and genres.

Content

• The module will present an exploration of theoretical and analytical approaches to musical time and rhythm. Topics covered will include perception and cognition of rhythm, written and oral notation systems, relationships between poetic and musical metre, and the implications of musical rhythm for social interaction. Musical examples and case studies will include a variety of Western art and popular music, Indian tala, Indonesian gamelan and African polyrhythm.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will become familiar with a range of theories and analytical techniques appropriate to a wide range of musical styles.

• The module will establish and embed theoretical understanding of musical time, while developing practical skills in analysing and commenting critically on a wide variety of music.

• Students will achieve competence in applying the skills and knowledge gained through a series of written assignments.

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

• Term 1 will consist of 10 lectures and a tutorial
• Terms 2 and 3 will consist of a mixture of lectures, seminars and tutorials.
• Teaching and learning in the first two terms will be further supported by directed reading and formative exercises/essays.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Students will be asked to prepare short oral and/or written presentations on particular works, recordings or topics and will receive feedback at tutorials.