UNIVERSITY of GLASGOW

Dumfries Campus

The ballad

Introduction

This course explores the stylistic and generic characteristics of ballad, along with its performance in modern Scotland and beyond.  In most weeks students will look at one key critical work, and listen to related ballad recordings, or look at a print collection, to permit the consideration of key issues and debates within ballad studies.

We will discuss ballads critically, comparing recordings of a specific ballad and considering the style of specific performers.  We will also explore related topics such as regional tradition and women as tradition bearers, through a consideration of recordings from the 1950s onwards.  By exploring the international context, we will gain an understanding of Scottish ballad traditions and of how they have changed, at least since the 1800s.   Related categories of song will also be considered, such as bothy ballads.  Supplementary reading, and recordings, will be recommended during the classes.

You would find it helpful to buy at least one collection of ballads, and the recommended text is Emily Lyle’s Scottish Ballads.  Edinburgh: Canongate, 1994. Crichton English S80 LYL


Staff


Timetable


Aims and intended learning outcomes

Aims

The course aims to:

  • Introduce students to key issues in ballad studies relating to text, performance and context
  • Familiarise students with key texts in ballad studies
  • Familiarise students with primary and secondary source material relating to the ballad in Scotland, Europe and North America

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this course students will:

  • Have knowledge and understanding of the history of ballad studies, and an awareness of current debates in ballad scholarship
  • Have an awareness and understanding of the range of methodologies available for studying the ballad in Scotland
  • Be aware of key performers within the Scottish ballad tradition and be able to discuss the characteristics of their performance styles
  • Be familiar with the main primary and secondary source material relevant to ballad studies

Prescribed and recommended texts

Assessment

Examination of the electives involves the following.  A critique, approximately 2,000 words of any book on the list of the student’s choice, is to be handed in at the end of Week 4.  This should evaluate the author’s methodology, style, sources, accessibility and success, or otherwise, in achieving her/his self-stated objectives (25%).  In addition, a journal of approximately 5,000 words is to be submitted at the end of Week 12. The journal should be kept on a weekly basis recording the student’s response to current readings.  It should contain a critical introduction as well as critical responses to at least two-thirds of the titles on the list, evaluating the arguments, methodologies, style, clarity and conclusions of individual authors while