Module WXM-3009:
20th Century Women Composers
Module Facts
Run by School of Arts, Culture and Language
10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits
Semester 2
Organiser: Dr Rhiannon Mathias
Overall aims and purpose
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generate an enhanced awareness of the cultural, gender and social issues inherent in twentieth-century Western music
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introduce outstanding pieces by professional women composers of the twentieth century
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examine in depth the ways in which these composers and their works have been received in their own time and in subsequent periods
- sharpen methodological tools for a critical and differentiated understanding of music historiography
Course content
Musicology has in recent years been enriched by research that highlights the contribution made by women to Music & Music History.This module forms an introduction to some of the most important women musicians of the twentieth century, including:
a. British: Ethel Smyth (1858-1944), Elisabeth Lutyens (1906-83), Grace Williams (1906-77) and Elizabeth Maconchy (1907-94).
b. Europe: Cecile Chaminade (1857-1944), Germaine Tailleferre (1892-1983), Nadia (1887-1979) and Lili Boulanger (1893-1918).
c. American: Amy Beach (1867-1944), Marion Bauer (1882-1955), Ruth Crawford Seeger (1901-53) and Louise Talma (1906-96).
d. Established Contemporary Voices: Thea Musgrave (1928-), Sofia Gubaidulina (1931-), Kaija Saariaho (1952-) and Chen Yi (1953-).
Assessment Criteria
threshold
Work which displays basic knowledge of the subject, with limited ability at conceptual thought and musical analysis at Level 6, and a limited awareness of issues, but has some evidence of a generally intellectual approach, with fair expression
good
Work which displays a sound grasp of the subject, adequate control of music-analytical and critical tools and conceptual engagement at Level 6, expressed intelligibly and interestingly
excellent
Work which demonstrates a thorough grasp of the subject and mastery of music-analytical and critical tools, with evidence of further study, outstanding intellectual engagement and originality of approach and/or insight, expressed convincingly and compellingly
Learning outcomes
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On successful completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate advanced skills in communication.
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On successful completion of the module, students will be able to synthesise a range of concepts within a critical evaluation of the knowledge gained about the contributions made to twentieth-century music by important women composers and teachers.
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On successful completion of the module, students will be able to critically evaluate and synthesise scholarly literature concerning cultural, gender and social issues inherent in twentieth-century Western music.
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On successful completion of the module, students will be able to utilise analytical concepts in the discussion of one or more extracts demonstrating formal procedures and structural techniques used in key pieces by relevant composers.
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On successful completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate a critical engagement with methodological tools for a critical and differentiated understanding of music historiography.
Assessment Methods
Teaching and Learning Strategy
| Hours | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tutorial | One individual tutorial in preparation for student presentation (15 minutes) One individual consultation in preparation for student essay (15 minutes) |
1 |
| Lecture | Eleven weekly lectures (2 hours each x 11 weeks) |
22 |
| Private study | Including preparation for classes and assessments. |
78 |
Transferable skills
- Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
- 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
- Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
- Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
- Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
- Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
Subject specific skills
- 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.