HI2K4-15 Music and History
Introductory description
This module will explore the relationship between music and history, including the way history is represented in music, and the way music itself became part of history. It will take a broad historical and musicological perspective.
Module aims
Taking a broad musical and historical perspective, ranging from opera, symphonic and chamber music through to folk, jazz and hip-ho, this module will study the way history was represented in music, and how music itself sometimes became the subject and part of making history. It will draw on a rich historiography, and use relevant primary sources to explore the way this relationship works. Written, video and audio sources will be utilised. Key themes will include, Ancient History, War, Landscape and Nostalgia, Religion, Nationalism, Political movements, and Slavery and Imperialism
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Session 1: Opera as art form in Venice:' L’Incoronazione di Poppea'
Session 2: Monarchy: 'Gloriana'
Session 3: War: 'The Leningrad Symphony'
Session 4: Revolutionary change: 'Hamilton'
Session 5: The colour line: Showboat
Session 6: Nostalgia and ruralism: The Kinks, Neil Young, Paul Simon
Session 7;: Slavery and Imperialism: Reggae, Rastafarianism and History
Session 8: Vietnam, War and America: Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Country Joe and the Fish
Session 9: Black Power and Black Lives Matter: Nina Simone, Gil Scott Heron, Public Enemy, Kendrick Lamar
Session 10: Heavy Metal and History: Rammstein and Iron Maiden
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- To evaluate and critique the relationship between music and history
- To understand how the study of music can be accessed through a range of written and audio-visual sources.
- To engage with historiographical debates and think about the history and legacy of different historical concepts
- To encourage independent research, historiographical engagement, and the development of critical analysis
- To gain interpersonal and communication skills through the delivery of a presentation
Indicative reading list
Reading lists can be found in Talis
Interdisciplinary
History, Cultural Studies, Music
Subject specific skills
See learning outcomes
Transferable skills
Work effectively with others in group tasks and in teams; Plan and manage time in projects; Develop strong analytical skills; Find, evaluate and use previous research at a level appropriate for a second year module. Use a range of tools and resources effectively in the preparation of course work. Use appropriate analytic methods to analyse research data on Music and history.. Read academic papers effectively in the context of an intensive programme; Communicate clearly and effectively in discussions; Communicate ideas effectively in writing.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 10 sessions of 2 hours (12%) |
| Private study | 130 hours (76%) |
| Assessment | 22 hours (13%) |
| Total | 172 hours |
Private study description
History modules require students to undertake extensive independent research and reading to prepare for seminars and assessments. As a rough guide, students will be expected to read and prepare to comment on three substantial texts (articles or book chapters) for each seminar taking approximately 3 hours. Each assessment requires independent research, reading around 6-10 texts and writing and presenting the outcomes of this preparation in an essay, review, presentation or other related task.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Class Presentation/podcast/powerpoint with audio | 20% | 10 hours | No |
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Related to theme of seminars |
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Reassessment component |
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| 1000 word reflective essay | Yes (extension) | ||
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in lieu of the presentation |
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Assessment component |
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| 3000 word essay | 80% | 12 hours | Yes (extension) |
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Students will reflect on a question related to the themes of the module, with reference to relevant historiographical debates |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Written feedback provided via Tabula; optional oral feedback in office hours. Peer feedback on presentations.
Courses
This module is Optional for:
- Year 2 of UHIA-V102 Undergraduate History (Renaissance and Modern History Stream)
- Year 2 of UHIA-V1V5 Undergraduate History and Philosophy
- Year 2 of UHIA-VM11 Undergraduate History and Politics
- Year 2 of UHIA-VM13 Undergraduate History and Politics (with a term in Venice)
- Year 2 of UHIA-VL13 Undergraduate History and Sociology
- Year 2 of UHIA-VL15 Undergraduate History and Sociology (with a term in Venice)
This module is Option list A for:
- Year 2 of UHIA-V1V7 Undergraduate History and Philosophy (with a term in Venice)
This module is Option list B for:
- Year 2 of UHIA-V100 Undergraduate History
This module is Option list C for:
- Year 2 of UHIA-V100 Undergraduate History
- Year 2 of UHIA-V102 Undergraduate History (Renaissance and Modern History Stream)