Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)

Module MUSI2611: THEORY AND ANALYSIS

Department: Music

MUSI2611: THEORY AND ANALYSIS

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2011/12 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • MUSI1151, MUSI1231

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

Aims

  • To build on and develop first-year work in music analysis.
  • To enhance technical understanding of music.
  • To enhance ability of students to reflect conceptually on musical material, forms, and genres.
  • To instil awareness of the continuity between analysis and composition.

Content

  • An exploration of advanced theoretical and analytical approaches to musical structure.
  • Term 1 will focus on analytical techniques from Baroque to Classical, such as thorough-bass, contrapuntal textures, galant formal schemata, the architecture of sonata forms, and modes of musical logic.
  • Term 2 will cycle through the same historical period, sharpening the focus, and giving students the opportunity to mediate analytical understanding through hands-on practical exercises.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students will become familiar with a range of analytical techniques appropriate to different historical periods with the time-frame 1700-1830.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students will achieve a basic competence in applying these skills practically through a series of formative exercises.
Key Skills:
  • The module will establish and embed analytical understanding, while enhancing overall technical knowledge of the musical language.

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

  • Modules of teaching will be complementary across the two terms.
  • 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

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 19 weekly Terms 1 & 2 1 hr 19 ■
Tutorials 4 one during Term 1, three during Terms 2 & 3 1 hr 4 ■
Seminars 4 Terms 2 & 3 1 hr 4 ■
Reading and Preparation 173
TOTAL 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Analytical essay Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Analytical essay 3000 words 100% Yes
Component: Extended analysis with commentary Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Extended analysis with commentary 3000 words 100% Yes

Formative Assessment:

Regular formative exercises, plus formative feedback on first summative essay.

■ 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