Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Theory in Practice: Exploring Music’s Construction
Code MUSI180
Coordinator Professor KM Forkert-Smith
Music
Kenneth.Smith@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2023-24 Level 4 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To introduce concepts of music theory relevant to all later modules associated with the study of musical text

To introduce important musical forms and harmonic relationships

To adapt and improve upon a range of techniques for analysing music in a wide range of music.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will be able to identify and label keys, chords, cadences, modulations, and phrase structure.

(LO2) Students be able to identify the structural landmarks which define a particular musical form.

(LO3) Students be able to evaluate the use of instruments (noting any contemporary limitations) to evaluate the use of instruments and their role in shaping the musical discourse /structure.

(LO4) Students be able to engage with and critically evaluate primary and secondary sources, to discuss relevant material and ideas, and to prepare well-organised and well-researched written work.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral.

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written.

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - visual.

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Listening skills.

(S5) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (including referencing skills).


Syllabus

 

Topics will be determined to complement provision in other subject areas, and will include a range of concepts drawn from western art and popular music, such as:

Formal Analysis Part 1: Integrated song forms; Contrast and Montage Cinema techniques in Stravinsky and Radiohead.

Harmonic - Melodic Analysis: Cadences and alternative cadences, Chord Substitution and Chord Function; Post-Tonal and Non-diatonic scales 1: Modes and Whole-tones; Non-Diatonic scales 2: Octatonics

Texture, Time & Timbre: Exploring metre and rhythm; Analysing Electro-acoustic music; Focusing on Groove textures

Formal Analysis Part 2: Baroque Fugue Form; Classical dynamic contrasts: Sonata Forms.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures introduce core analytical techniques.
Scheduled directed student hours: 24
Unscheduled directed student hours: 12
Attendance recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Seminars facilitate further exploration of techniques by small group discussion and working through examples.
Scheduled directed student hours: 12
Attendance recorded: Yes

Other - Directed Learning activity hours - 12

Self-directed learning hours: 114
To include preparations for assessments and weekly reading/study.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours   12

      12

12

36
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 114
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Presentation There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2    40       
Essay There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2    60       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.