MU1003 Understanding Music

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Curricular information may be subject to change

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 7

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

3.00 pm Mon, Tue and Thu

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr J K Pettegree

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Team taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module aims to develop skills and knowledge that will help students to get more out of the experience of listening to Western art music. Surveying set works drawn from different periods, the module considers the roots, emergence and establishment of this repertoire and its associated practices. Students will consider how musical compositions were historically shaped by cultural and material contexts, and will develop analytical skills in using musical scores to describe musical organisation, style, and genre. Students are not required to perform as part of this module, but some prior familiarity with western musical notation is necessary.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

ADVISORY: STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO DECODE BASIC STANDARD WESTERN NOTATION. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON ENROLMENT TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER YOU HAVE THE MUSICAL SCORE LITERACY TO SUCCEED ON THE MODULE.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Exam = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

Weekly contact: 3 lectures from week 1, and 1 tutorial (various times tba) from week 2. Orientation week: enrolment meeting and diagnostic test.

Scheduled learning hours

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

159

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

To develop a broad understanding of Western music history as an evolving tradition that combines particular ideas about music theory with the material conditions and practice arising in particular historical contexts
To develop skills in musical analysis and score reading using standard western musical scores, gaining confidence in applying this technical knowledge accurately and precisely
To develop confidence in linking musical literacy with the student's experience of listening to music
To develop skills in writing persuasive and well-structured essays, using appropriately referenced primary and secondary sources
To develop independent learning and study habits through active participation in group discussion, and through the timely design and execution of assessment