Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

•       to foster understanding and knowledge of social contexts and musical repertories, both ‘classical’ and vernacular in Europe;
•       to foster an understanding of the various modalities of European nationalism;
•       to understand the impact of national and cultural politics on musical practices;
•       to evaluate stylistic and generic traits within the context of geographical and cultural difference and interchange;
•       to consider music history in relation to other art forms

Outline Of Syllabus

This course will provide an introduction to some of the historiographical and political dynamics that attend the rise of nationalist cultures in the nineteenth and/or twentieth centuries in Europe. We will look at the historical and cultural contexts of various modalities of nationalism, and at how such nationalisms and pan-nationalist movements impact on musical practices. Some of the main themes will include the uses of folk traditions, native tongue opera and national vocality.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this course you should:
•       be familiar with nationalist movements in Europe in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries;
•       be fully aware of the geopolitical context of nineteenth- and twentieth-century European nationalisms;
•       know the meaning and outline significance of key historical terms (e.g. liberalism, bourgeoisie, ideology, nation state);
•       have a clear understanding of the complex interrelationships between political, social, geographical and cultural factors.

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should also be able to:
•       evaluate the relationships between musical materials and historical contexts;
•       identify both short-term and long-term social and cultural factors in the formation of musical repertories;
•       apply historical and historiographical techniques learnt during the module in your own independent work.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures provide a forum for the presentation and discussion of relevant pieces and key texts and ideas.
Seminars allow more in-depth listening and discussion of key ideas and texts and will allow for more hands-on (analytical) work in smaller groups.
The core of student learning for this Option lies in students’ private study, which involves listening and reading as appropriate, and research for the essay, submitted as part of the assessment for the module.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The first essay requires students to apply knowledge gained from the module’s key themes to a chosen case study.

The second essay (case study) allows students to explore, through independent research, a key theme, repertory or cultural figure explored in the module. Students will determine their own essay title, with support from the Module Leader. Model essay questions will be provided in the Module Handbook at the start of the year.

General Notes

N/A