Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Students wishing to take MUS3196 must fulfil the following three criteria.
1. EITHER have taken MUS2196 (pre-requisite) OR be concurrently taking MUS3111 (co-requisite)
2. Stage 2 average of 60
3. Submit a proposal


Commencement of a placement is subject to full engagement with the module up to that point. Should this full engagement not be evident, the student will not be able to commence a placement and the module leader will put in place an alternative assessment.

This will take the form of a research project focused on Music Education or Music in the Community, which will be identified by the module leader and agreed with the student. The assessment will be:

Semester 1: Blog posts detailing progress on the chosen research topic, reflecting on current issues and debates within the chosen context/sector and relevant teaching methods and skills that may be utilised or required in practice by a musician and/or teacher in that context. The blog posts must also detail relevant research literature and show engagement with relevant research methods within the field of music education and/or community music – 25 % of module marks.
Semester 2: A 3000 word report on the agreed research project and presenting its findings. – 75% of module mark.

DBS checks for MUS3196
Students should note that most host organisations may require Enhanced DBS checks. The module leader will provide appropriate guidance on how to apply. Students must apply for DBS as soon as they are notified it is required and provide the information which is needed in a timely way.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

• To provide opportunities for engaged study
• To foster skills in music education and project development, bolstering the student’s portfolio of skills and knowledge
• To advance ICMuS’s strategy of engaged teaching, strengthening the student’s and the institution’s relationship with targeted partners representative of today’s social realities
• To advance the University’s engagement ethos as outlined in the document Vision 2021 A World-Class Civic University, in particular as relates to Social Renewal and Sustainability
• To invest resources in music education, thus contributing to the sustainability of the discipline at schools, with a view to long-term strengthening of ICMuS’s recruitment base.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module is a project based on independent study. Prior to any placement, students will receive in-house induction on specific aspects of community work and education specific to the placement’s target demographic. Thereafter the student will attend at the placement school, meeting the supervisor at ICMuS for monitoring on a fortnightly basis. Twice during the placement all the students will meet to share experiences.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

• Enhanced awareness of the landscape of music in schools and other community settings
• Enhanced awareness of social issues, including for example poverty, diversity, exclusion and unemployment
• Understanding of some of the challenges associated with music education
• Awareness of the state of music education at schools and in other community organisations
• Developing awareness of differing music pedagogies

Intended Skill Outcomes

• Teaching skills adjusted to a specific demographic
• Strengthened leadership skills
• Increased ability to work independently
• Developing pedagogic skills relating to music
• Experience in summing up experience in a written report
• Experience in working independently under supervision
• Increased adaptability

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Employer-based learning will enable IKOs 1-4 and ISOs 1, 3, 5, 6, 7.
Project work will foster ISOs 3, 4, 5.
Independent study will promote IKOs 1-4 and ISOs 3, 4, 5.
Student-led group activity will practise ISOs 1-7.
Advance preparation will enable the student to perform in ‘Project work’ and ‘Student-led group activity’.
Lectures introduce students to key issues and approaches that will be developed in other teaching and experiential contexts.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The literature review orients the student towards the practical placement and ensures that sufficient prior knowledge (from lectures and workshops) has been assimilated to ensure a successful placement.

Observation of professional practice allows students to be examined on the actual outcomes of their projects.

The report is an opportunity to answer research questions raised by the placement and previous literature review assignment, and allows for reflections on the practical work carried out.

General Notes

This module is instrumental in pursuing ICMuS’s agreed strategy to engage with schools and communities with the combined purpose of strengthening student employability, promoting inclusivity, working to secure the sustainability of the discipline and widening the subject area’s recruitment base. The module also serves as preparation for further work in community music and education at postgraduate level, and provides students seeking such opportunities on graduation with experience and understanding.