Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Introduction to Musicology 2
SCQF level: 07:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: MUS07146
Module leader: John Hails
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Screen and Performance
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

This module builds on the foundational knowledge studied in Introduction to Musicology 1 to extend the understanding of musicology (the study of music) as an umbrella topic which includes the includes the history of music, the study of music in its cultural context (ethnomusicology), the psychology of music, and aspects of political, philosophical, and analytical study. In lectures you will study a range of topics which will include questioning core assumptions about your relationship with music and how we tell the story of music from a historical perspective. In dedicated sessions you will listen to, and discuss a range of musical styles, genres, and idioms, and develop a vocabulary to reflect this diversity. In seminars you will explore harmonic approaches that underpin the styles explored and build a portfolio of skills through working through short written/performed harmonic exercises.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Demonstrate knowledge that reflects principal themes, concepts, and principles of musicology as a field

LO2: Present and evaluate arguments that ground your understanding of the study of specific musical styles and genres that interest you

LO3: Respond to the aural phenomenon of listening to music, identifying routine characteristics of perception and elements of style and genre

LO4: Explore and apply knowledge, skills, and understanding of harmonic techniques and languages in musical styles that interest you
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 2, IN PERSON,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: IN PERSON
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: John Hails
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 Core academic topics will be covered in these lectures, such as sociological concepts (compliance and prestige, propaganda, canon), historical divisions between movements, genres, and periods, and basic ideas about aesthetics. You will be invited to form your own approaches to these topics while also engaging with the existing literature on the topic.
Face To Face Lecture 10 In these listening classes you will engage with a range of audio excerpts from different genres, historical periods, and global locations. You will be encouraged to respond to these musical examples using appropriate vocabulary and discuss their relevance to key topics within musicology.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 15 In harmony classes you will be introduced to different approaches to notating and exploring harmony, as well as analytical approaches to understanding basic harmonic structures.
Online Guided independent study 155 During your independent study you will research the music that interests you and its contextual study, as well as the sociological perspective that frames your understanding of this music. You will practice harmonic techniques, and listen to a range of music to better understand it both from a technical and an aesthetic perspective.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Essay 40 1~2 Week 13 , WORDS= 1000 words In this essay you will bring together some of the core topics of discussion within this module to explore and evaluate an aesthetic perspective.
Portfolio 60 4 Exam Period , WORDS= Ten exercises You will build up a portfolio of harmony exercises and aural analyses during the course of the trimester which you develop in class and in your independent study. These exercises will be customised by you to match the music that interests you. The harmony exercises will demonstrate your understanding of both harmonic skills and techniques while the aural analyses will demonstrate your ability to identify and discuss key characteristics of music.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Introduction to Musicology 2
 

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