Overview

This module is taken by students across MA Music, Culture and Society, MMus Composition and Sonic Art, and MMus Performance. It allows students to undertake a detailed study of a focussed topic, typically on one or more aspects of the oeuvre of a composer or group of composers, a style or genre of music (usually within a defined historical period), or a repertoire of music that existed in a specific time/place or for a specific purpose. However, some topics take a broader theme, such as censorship. Different topics are offered each year. In addition, students also attend research seminars delivered by internal and external speakers on a range of topics related to music research and / or creative practice as research.

The module equips students with a profound knowledge of their chosen subject, while enabling them to develop their skills in musical analysis, source-based study, and contextual understanding. It also challenges students to apply their understanding to wider research / scholarship contexts.

The focussed study topics vary from year to year. Typically the module will begin with an introduction to the topic, followed by a detailed exploration of aspects within it, supported by contextual reading / listening and interpretations. The exact syllabus will change depending on the topic, but will typically include aspects such as: - contemporary cultural contexts - understanding the associated musical texts (and contexts) - reception - critique - compositional techniques - creativity - performance practice

The research seminars and concerts will be drawn from the departmental and school seminar series, with seminars given by internal and external speakers on a wide range of topics.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (C– to C+, 50-59%) Work which demonstrates an understanding of the module content and the ability to think in an informed and logical manner, and which is expressed coherently.

Good (B– to B+, 60-69%) Work which demonstrates mastery of the module content and the ability to think in a considered manner, and which is expressed with clarity and acuity.

Excellent (A– to A*, 70-100%) Work which demonstrates new insight into the module content and the ability to think in an original and conceptual manner, and which is expressed persuasively.

Relevant Masters-level Explicit Marking Criteria (for Musicology, Composition, and/or Music Performance) will also be used when assessing student work on this module. These may be found on the Blackboard page for this module.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in an appropriate academic style.

• Evaluate the ideas of others as expressed in research or creative practice as research, and build upon them.

• Express advanced skills of criticism, critical thinking, and conceptual thinking in relation to the topic(s) studied.

• Summarise succinctly the ideas of others.