MUSI2611: Theory and Analysis

• MUSI1281 Analysis 1: Elements of Tonal Theory and Practice

• This module will build on foundational skills embedded in first-year courses to enhance understanding of music on a technical level. It aims to develop students' ability to reflect conceptually on musical material, forms and genres, and to instil awareness of the continuities between analysis, historical studies, performance and composition.

• The module will explore a variety of analytical and theoretical approaches pertinent to the technical study of the musical material and formal structures employed by composers between 1800 and 1945, applying them to the study of core repertoire from this period.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Students will become familiar with a range of analytical approaches pertinent to the study of music written between 1800 and 1945.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Students will gain competence in applying these skills practically through a series of formative and summative analytical projects, as well as an understanding of commonly used conventions for presenting analytical findings in a cogent manner.

Key Skills:

• The module will enhance analytical understanding, while embedding a more sophisticated knowledge of the technical aspects of musical compositions from the historical period under discussion. It also aims to equip students who wish to undertake more advanced analytical work in third-year in the context of writing an extended dissertation.

• The module is taught by weekly lectures, small-group seminars, each focusing on a set work, and tutorials. Students submit two summative essays testing applied knowledge: they require students to apply theoretical concepts in the analysis of repertoire.
• The weekly lectures introduce students to core concepts, illustrated by examples from the repertoire; they also demonstrate applications of theory in the analysis of repertoire in a wide range of genres. The seminars reinforce learning through small group work on a series of focused case studies. The tutorials offer students the chance to discuss specific worked examples, in tandem with the work proposed for the formative assessments.

Four formative assignments, two in Michaelmas and two in Epiphany. Formatives 1 and 2 will prepare students for Summative 1. Formatives 3 and 4 will prepare students for Summative 2.

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.