Course Catalogue

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This course introduces students to formalised methods of analysis as well as to the debates surrounding such methods within the discipline. Focussing on the syntax and structure of a wide range of repertoires, you will not only be taught how to apply given analytical approaches to diverse musical repertoires, but you will also be encouraged to critically interrogate the epistemology, presuppositions, prerogatives and biases of given analytical methods in relation to the repertoire studied.

Ten 1-hour lectures, and ten 2-hour seminars as scheduled in MyCampus. This is one of the Honours options in Music and may not run every year.

Available to all students fulfilling requirements for Honours entry into Music, and by arrangement to visiting students or students of other Honours programmes

Analysis A (Non-Hons)MUSIC2002

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Two set exercises (25% each).  

■ One analytical essay c.2000 words (50%). 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the assessments, but extensions to the deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ apply appropriate analytical techniques and methods to a wide range of musical repertoires

■ reflect critically on the specific insights granted by given analytical approaches and their role in wider critical perspectives on music

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Evaluate in critical depth the techniques and concepts of various analytical approaches.

■ Analyse in detail musical examples from a wide range of repertoires, using appropriate formal approaches.

■ Explain and evaluate the inner workings and structure of key examples from a wide range of musical repertoires.

■ Critically reflect on the appropriateness and the strengths and limitations of the analytical approaches chosen and situate the latter both in relation to the wider analytical literature and to other forms of musical enquiry.