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MUSI3631: Time and Rhythm

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Type Open
Level 3
Credits 20
Availability Not available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Music

Prerequisites

  • A-Level Music or equivalent

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To enhance technical understanding of music, and analytical skills.
  • To enhance the ability of students to reflect conceptually on musical material, forms, and performances.
  • To develop the ability of students to compare musical techniques and principles between different traditions and genres.
  • To develop the ability of students to pursue their own independent research projects within the framework of existing theories in the area.

Content

  • This course will comprise an exploration of theoretical and analytical approaches to musical time and rhythm. Topics covered will include movement and embodiment, perception and cognition of rhythm, metrical theory and practice in diverse traditions, and critical reading of writing about rhythm (including its metaphorical and ideological dimensions. Musical examples and case studies may include (but are not limited to) a variety of Western art and popular music, Indian tala and African polyrhythm. Students will work on an original investigation applying some of the perspectives taught in the course.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Students will become familiar with a range of theories and analytical techniques, deriving from different academic traditions (e.g. music theory and analysis, ethnomusicology, and music psychology), and including basic knowledge of appropriate software, appropriate to a wide range of musical styles.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Students will achieve a basic competence in applying these skills practically through a series of formative exercises.

Key Skills:

  • Students will be able to plan and implement a research project, applying approaches introduced in the module to a novel example, combining their own investigations with the ability to give and reflect on peer feedback.
  • Students will be able to plan, record and upload a video presentation

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Contact time comprises 10 2-hour seminar classes. Between classes students will work through online teaching material, including watching short lecture videos, reading and trying out short analytical tasks. Class time will be used to review this material, discuss readings and musical examples, and hear short student presentations.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Seminars10 Weekly over Term 12 hours20 
Independent Study including watching lecture videos, directed reading, listening and viewing, and guided analysis 180 
TOTAL200 

Summative Assessment

Component: EssayComponent Weighting: 70%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Essay of 2,500 words on a self defined topic, including reflection on feedback2,500 words100No
Component: Video PresentationComponent Weighting: 30%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Video presentation of 12 minutes12 minutes100No

Formative Assessment

Students will be asked to prepare one formative assessment submissions, comprising a short video presentation. They will have an opportunity to present their work in progress within the seminar classes and receive further feedback as they prepare their essay projects. Feedback will be given by the tutor and by peers.

More information

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