PY4667 Philosophy of Music

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

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 10

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.

Availability restrictions

Available only with the permission of the Philosophy Honours advisor

Planned timetable

To be confirmed

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

Module coordinator

Dr G W B Pedriali

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

Module Staff

Dr Walter Pedriali

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 is an introduction to some of the main themes in contemporary philosophy of music. Topics to be investigated include the phenomenology of music, the ontology of music, the relation between works of music and their performance, the evolution of musical languages across and within specific cultures, and the ways in which gender and race have shaped the Western musical canon. We will examine a wide variety of works in different cultures, styles, and epochs. No musical knowledge is presupposed, but some prior study of music may be helpful. Audio examples will be extensively used throughout the module. The module will be of particular interest to students who have taken any of MU1003-1006.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

EITHER PY1012, OR 40 CREDITS OF MU MODULES AT 1000 OR 2000 LEVEL

Assessment pattern

100% Coursework

Re-assessment

100% coursework

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2hr lecture (x11 weeks) + 1hr tutorial (x11 weeks)

Intended learning outcomes

  • Critically assess contrasting views in contemporary ontologies of music
  • Critically locate controversies in the philosophy of music within the wider context of the philosophy of art
  • Articulate and critically examine the significance and distinctiveness of musical traditions and practices within and beyond the Western canon
  • Apply their knowledge of the philosophy of music in a variety of social contexts