Module MUSI3531: PROGRAMME MUSIC, 1700 TO THE PRESENT

Department: Music

MUSI3531: PROGRAMME MUSIC, 1700 TO THE PRESENT

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To build on Level 1 and Level 2 work in areas of musicology and extend this into areas of particular musical repertoire, in this case programme music. The module focuses on embedding and enhancing musicological and analytical skills within examination of this repertoire, and developing methodological techniques with application across other repertoires in music.

Content

• An exploration of programme music from the eighteenth-century to the present, engaging with and building on a range of musicological and theoretical issues introduced at Levels 1 and 2. Term 1 will set out relevant philosophical issues, and then explore those issues through a detailed critical analysis of two key works in the history of programme music. Term 2 will examine and develop broader concepts of representation in music, choosing amongst a range of theoretical issues, such as music and exoticism, theology, evolutionary science, poetry and fiction. These theoretical constructs will provide the critical basis for an examination of a small number of key works and musical genres. Each term will provide historical background; philosophical, literary and/or aesthetic issues pertaining to their use of programme; an analytical exploration of compositions relating to programme music; and discussion of present musicological literatures. Term 3 will be devoted entirely to seminars and tutorials, further embedding conceptual material covered in previous terms

Learning Outcomes

• Students will gain a broad-based knowledge of the particular repertoire of programme music from the eighteenth century to the present.

• Students will acquire specific knowledge of a particular repertoire of programme music, roughly from the eighteenth-century to the present. Through philosophical and literary discussions and assignments students will develop the critical, analytical and philosophical ability to probe ideas which manifest themselves in music.

• They will acquire key interpretational skills based on a survey of methodological techniques, and will develop an historical awareness of repertoire unique to this genre.

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

• Whole group lecture/seminars, including class discussion
• Small group seminars, including student formative class presentations.
• Tutorials
• Directed reading

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

In preparation of summative assignments, students will be asked to prepare a short written outline of their essay, and subsequently a 1000-word essay. Both formative assignments will serve as the basis of two sets of tutorials in terms 1 and 2. Students will also be asked to give presentations in a seminar context relating to their own independent work