Module MUSI3631: Time and Rhythm

Department: Music

MUSI3631: Time and Rhythm

Prerequisites

• A-Level Music or equivalent

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To enhance technical understanding of music, and analytical skills.
• To enhance the ability of students to reflect conceptually on musical material, forms, and performances.
• To develop the ability of students to compare musical techniques and principles between different traditions and genres.
• To develop the ability of students to pursue their own independent research projects within the framework of existing theories in the area.

Content

• This course will comprise an exploration of theoretical and analytical approaches to musical time and rhythm. Topics covered will include movement and embodiment, perception and cognition of rhythm, metrical theory and practice in diverse traditions, and critical reading of writing about rhythm (including its metaphorical and ideological dimensions. Musical examples and case studies may include (but are not limited to) a variety of Western art and popular music, Indian tala and African polyrhythm. Students will work on an original investigation applying some of the perspectives taught in the course.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will become familiar with a range of theories and analytical techniques, deriving from different academic traditions (e.g. music theory and analysis, ethnomusicology, and music psychology), and including basic knowledge of appropriate software, appropriate to a wide range of musical styles.

• Students will achieve a basic competence in applying these skills practically through a series of formative exercises.

• Students will be able to plan and implement a research project, applying approaches introduced in the module to a novel example, combining their own investigations with the ability to give and reflect on peer feedback.
• Students will be able to plan, record and upload a video presentation

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

• Contact time comprises 10 2-hour seminar classes. Between classes students will work through online teaching material, including watching short lecture videos, reading and trying out short analytical tasks. Class time will be used to review this material, discuss readings and musical examples, and hear short student presentations.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Students will be asked to prepare one formative assessment submissions, comprising a short video presentation. They will have an opportunity to present their work in progress within the seminar classes and receive further feedback as they prepare their essay projects. Feedback will be given by the tutor and by peers.

■ 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