Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
Edited: When you complete your studies for this strand, you will have knowledge and understanding of:
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music as a systematic academic discipline
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a substantial repertory of music, including some works studied in depth
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a range of analytical procedures used in the study of music
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the key concepts and theories that are found in scholarly discourses that relate both Western and non-Western music to its contexts
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musical source materials, and an understanding of their interpretation and relevance
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the basic terms and notational practices relating to Western music and some specific non-Western musics.
Cognitive skills
Edited: When you complete your studies for the strand, you will be able to:
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listen accurately and critically, think logically, and read critically
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interpret musical notation and use appropriate musical terminology and language
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examine and evaluate a wide range of musical sources
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contribute to a debate on controversial issues
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synthesise information and ideas obtained from a variety of sources.
Practical and/or professional skills
Edited: When you complete your studies for the strand, you will be able to:
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make sense of musical notation and write musical notation accurately
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relate musical notation to performance
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listen to music in a critically informed manner
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write a well-structured essay, using recognised academic conventions
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work independently using a variety of media.
Key skills
Edited: When you complete your studies for the strand, you will be able to demonstrate that you can:
Communication
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discuss a complex subject in an appropriate manner in writing
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read and synthesise substantial amounts of materials, from printed and aural media
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present the results of study in an appropriate manner, including the use of relevant examples in musical notation.
Learning how to learn
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study a complex subject
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study and learn independently
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seek and use feedback from a tutor, and through self-assessment activity, to improve performance in the academic context
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learn from a variety of different media and teaching methods
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reflect on the learning process and on evidence of progress.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
Edited:As you study the music modules you will acquire knowledge and understanding through published distance-learning materials, including specially written study materials. These include anthologies of offprints, musical scores, specially recorded and compiled audio and visual material; also assignment booklets, the module guides and specimen examination papers. Your learning proceeds through structured reading of the texts, technical and analytical musical exercises, directed listening exercises and the feedback given on your assignments by tutors, supplemented by some direct face-to-face contact at regional tutorials. The outcomes are assessed directly through a combination of short text-based questions, assignments requiring answers in essay form, short factual responses or in musical notation, and three-hour written examinations.
The development of your cognitive skills is promoted through written study materials, including in-text questions, assignment booklets and specimen examination papers, through audio and video material (some of it with interactive components), through carefully monitored feedback to students from tutors, and through tutorials. Cognitive skills are assessed primarily through your completion of assignments and final module examinations.
You will find that the practical and/or professional skills are taught throughout the programme in a cumulative manner. At Levels 1 and 2 there are guided approaches to pre-selected texts (including musical scores). Level 2 teaches the essential techniques in relation to score-reading, harmony, critical listening, basic analytical description and style recognition, which are needed for Level 3 modules. Level 3 develops your essay-writing skills. Assessment methods include essays, the completion of technical and analytical exercises in assignments and examinations, as well as self-assessment in-text questions.
Teaching of key skills is via published materials (including audio and video) and by detailed tutor feedback on student assignments. You will practise and develop these skills throughout the programme, although there is more emphasis on some skills (discussing a complex subject, reading and synthesising substantial amounts of material, independent study, and reflection on the learning process) at Level 3. In-text questions encourage the development of all of the skills.
Assessment of your skills in Communication is by continuous assessment and final examinations for modules. Skills in Learning how to learn are assessed through the quality of performance in assignments and examinations.