Module MUSI3531: Representing Music: Narrative and Cultural Programme in Romantic Music

Department: Music

MUSI3531: Representing Music: Narrative and Cultural Programme in Romantic Music

Prerequisites

• Historical Trends and Issues in the 19th and 20th Centuries (MUSI2591) OR MUSIxxxx Historical Studies 2: The Twentieth Century

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

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 the representation of music from the long nineteenth century, engaging with and building on a range of musicological and theoretical issues introduced at Levels 1 and 2. Term 1 will introduce relevant philosophical issues, and then focus on the representation of narrative (literary) programmes through a detailed critical analysis of two key works in the history of Romantic music. Term 2 will examine and develop broader concepts, focussing on the representation of cultural (social and national) programmes, such as exoticism, orientalism, and race. 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 respective 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 Romantic programme music.

• Students will acquire specific knowledge of a particular repertoire of Romantic programme music. 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. In term 2, students will also be asked to give presentations in a seminar context relating to their own independent work.

■ 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