To explore methods and ideas in the field of musical evolution, mediating between the sciences and humanities.

(LO1) Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of central topics, perspectives and debates concerning the evolution of music.

(LO2) Students will be able to demonstrate familiarity with key scholarly literature related to the study of musical evolution in both sciences and humanities.

(LO3) Students will be able to demonstrate a practical understanding of music’s ability to express and induce emotions.

(LO4) Students will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of quantitative and qualitative methods and approaches in used sciences and humanities research.

(S1) Students will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of quantitative and qualitative methods and approaches in used sciences and humanities research.

(S2) Verbal expression and organisation.

(S3) Debating and defending intellectual positions in face-to-face contexts.

The module will cover a multitude of angles on the evolution of music and music in global history. These will include: cultural and scientific theories of musical evolution; how to analyse animal calls; the theory and history of emotion; music and Artificial Intelligence; music and the Posthuman; music in everyday life; the archaeology of musical artefacts in human pre-history; music in child development; the psychology and neuroscience of musical perception.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures introduce core concepts and material
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Seminars facilitate further discussion of material raised in lectures by way of group discussion
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self-Directed Learning Description: preparation of assessments

The majority of teaching will be delivered face-to-face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.