MUS8169 : Studies in Popular Music
MUS8169 : Studies in Popular Music
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Goffredo Plastino
- Co-Module Leader: Dr Richard Elliott
- Lecturer: Dr Adam Behr
- Owning School: Arts & Cultures
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
The module will introduce the students to the advanced study of popular music and Popular Music Studies, through the in-depth consideration of selected topics and case studies, based on the most recent scholarly literature.
The aims of the module are:
- to introduce students to advanced Popular Music Studies theories, methodologies and approaches;
- to encourage the students to explore the historical and cultural complexity of popular music;
- to consider and critically examine key, up-to-date Popular Music Studies works;
- to further improve critical thinking about the nature and role of popular music.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module typically covers a range of topics related to popular music and Popular Music Studies, including:
- Authenticity debates;
- History / historiographies;
- Technology and sound recordings;
- The politics of popular music;
- Genre in popular music;
- Place in popular music;
- The live music industries;
- Popular music and fiction;
- Taste and consumption.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Students successfully completing the module will be able to gain:
- an advanced and critical knowledge of Popular Music Studies theories and methodologies;
- an advanced understanding of key popular music periods, scenes, artists, and works;
- a critical awareness of their own viewpoint in relation to popular music scholarship;
- the ability to apply these approaches to understand past and present popular music.
Intended Skill Outcomes
Students successfully completing the module will be able to gain:
- improved critical and analytical skills;
- advanced research skills.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 38 | 1:00 | 38:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 10 | 4:00 | 40:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | PiP |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | PiP |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 100 | 1:00 | 100:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will introduce issues, approaches and concepts, and give the opportunity to discuss and explore these further. Based on selected, preparatory texts, lectures will furthermore focus on the detailed analysis of such works; on key issues that arise in the course of such study; and on the various approaches that Popular Music Studies scholars may take on the topic considered. After every second session by one of the lecturers, there follows a session of student-led discussion and presentations on the topics covered up to that point.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | A | 100 | 4000 word essay |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The purpose of the essay is to present a well-informed debate that recognizes advanced theoretical perspectives on Popular Music Studies. The students should aim to debate thoroughly key critical issues, using if they wish comparative case studies, discussing one or more topics among those considered in the module, where appropriate. The students should present a coherent argument and should show their ability to bring together information from different sources in a creative manner. The essay should therefore represent a synthesis of their readings and ideas, demonstrating the depth of their understanding of the examples and issues considered during the module.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MUS8169's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- MUS8169's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.