Module WXM-1004:
Introduction to Harmony & Counterpoint

Module Facts

Run by School of Music, Drama and Performance

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr John Cunningham

Overall aims and purpose

This module aims to develop students’ understanding of the main elements of musical language – melody, harmony, counterpoint, rhythm – through the study of compositional practice in the late Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Course content

Students work through a course of study which will develop score reading and analytical skills, creativity, and a thorough understanding of the parameters for the construction of music during the periods in question. WXM 1004 is intended for those students who have little or no prior knowledge of harmonic or contrapuntal principles (e.g. those who have not done chorale harmonization as part of A-Levels or equivalent), or those students who lack confidence in their skills in this area.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

Full understanding of staff notation, but only basic understanding of musical practice in the historical period studied. Basic grasp of key skills pertaining to the subject, with limited ability to apply these skills in other musical contexts. Limited demonstration of individual creativity. Work is presented coherently but with only limited stylistic appropriateness.

good

Full understanding of staff notation, with good understanding of musical practice in the historical period studied. Good grasp of key skills pertaining to the subject, with the ability to apply these skills in a range of other musical contexts. Good demonstration of individual creativity. Work is presented coherently, and with some stylistic appropriateness.

excellent

Full understanding of staff notation, with excellent understanding of musical practice in the historical period studied. Very good grasp of key skills pertaining to the subject, with the ability to apply these skills across the full range of musical contexts. Excellent demonstration of individual creativity. Work is presented coherently and full stylistic awareness.

Learning outcomes

  1. On completion of this module, a student should be able demonstrate skills in score reading.

  2. On completion of this module, a student should be able to demonstrate skills in the analysis of tonal / modal music according to fundamental principles.

  3. On completion of this module, a student should be able to demonstrate a solid understanding of modern music notation.

  4. On completion of this module, a student should be able to demonstrate a solid understanding of the principles of tonal / modal composition through basic pastiche composition.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
Written assignment, including essay Coursework 2

Due on Thursday of week 10, at noon. Typically comprising one or more short questions on analysis and analysis in practice (demonstrating an understanding of the principles, techniques and methodologies taught on the module).

 30.00
Written assignment, including essay Main assignment

Due on Monday of week 13, at noon. Typically comprising one or more questions on analysis and analysis in practice (demonstrating an understanding of the principles, techniques and methodologies taught on the module).

 40.00
Written assignment, including essay Coursework 1

Due on Thursday of reading week, at noon. Typically comprising one or more short questions on analysis and analysis in practice (demonstrating an understanding of the principles, techniques and methodologies taught on the module).

 30.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Lecture

Two hours of lectures per week for eleven weeks.

 22
Seminar

Two one-hour seminars per week for eleven weeks.

 44
Private study

In addition to assignments, students are expected to prepare / review reading between classes. Students are also expected to complete unassessed exercises ahead of lectures / seminars (usually up to 4 hours per week).

 134

Transferable skills

  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team

Subject specific skills

  • Musicianship skills – recognition, classification, contextualisation, reconstruction, exploration
  • Intellectual skills specific to Music – contextual knowledge, cultural awareness, critical understanding, repertoire knowledge, curiosity, analytical demonstration
  • Intellectual skills shared with other disciplines – research and exploration, reasoning and logic, understanding, critical judgement, assimilation and application
  • Skills of communication and interaction – oral and written communication, public presentation, team-working and collaboration, awareness of professional protocols, sensitivity, ICT skills, etc.
  • Skills of personal management – self-motivation, self-critical awareness, independence, entrepreneurship and employment skills, time management and reliability, organisation, etc.

Resources

Resource implications for students

None.

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/wxm-1004.html

Reading list

Talis

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: