ANTH48815: Advanced Studies in the Cultural Evolution of Music

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• To introduce key ideas and debates in the field of cultural evolution using music as a case study
• To explore broader controversies in anthropology surrounding the application of evolutionary models to culture
• To provide students the opportunity to develop greater confidence in evaluating quantitative research findings

• The module will examine the ways in which cultural evolutionary methodologies, such as transmission chain experiments and cultural phylogenetics, may be able to shed light on the origins and diversity of music
• We will apply concepts from cultural evolution to explore how new musical ideas originate, how music is transmitted from one generation to the next and how music diversifies over longer timescales
• We will discuss a diverse range of musical case studies including folk, classical and contemporary examples, from both Western and non-Western traditions

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Demonstrate advanced levels of current knowledge and intensive understanding in cultural evolution
• Deploy analytical skills specific to cultural evolution as applied to music
• Be competent in accessing and assimilating specialised research literature of an advanced nature
• In depth knowledge of the cultural evolution of music with emphasis on interpretation and comprehensive understanding of quantitative research findings

Subject-specific Skills:

• Evaluate and interpret quantitative research pertaining to the evolution of music

Key Skills:

• Understanding and effective communication of quantitative research methods, findings, interpretation and arguments in written form
• Critical analysis of literature and data Self-reflection on knowledge and skills acquired and developed
• Accessing library resources
• Undertaking independent study and research
• Preparation and effective communication of interpretations and arguments in written form

• Lectures will provide students with an outline of key knowledge and debates in the topic area, discuss the literature that students should explore, and provide relevant examples and case studies.
• Seminars will develop topics introduced in lectures and required reading to analyse aspects or case studies in greater depth and to prepare students for their summative assignment.
• Student preparation and reading time will allow engagement with specific references in advance of tutorials and general and particular reading related to the assessment, which will be a written assignment.
• Summative assessment will include a 3,500-word written assignment in which students will critically evaluate the application of key cultural evolutionary concepts and methodologies to the study of music. This should show evidence of a higher level of engagement and understanding as expected at postgraduate level.

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