MUSI3631: Time and Rhythm

• A-Level Music or equivalent

• None

• None

• To enhance technical understanding of music, and analytical skills.
• To enhance the ability of students to reflect conceptually on musical material, forms, and performances.
• To develop the ability of students to compare musical techniques and principles between different traditions and genres.
• To develop the ability of students to pursue their own independent research projects within the framework of existing theories in the area.

• This course will comprise an exploration of theoretical and analytical approaches to musical time and rhythm. Topics covered will include movement and embodiment, perception and cognition of rhythm, metrical theory and practice in diverse traditions, and critical reading of writing about rhythm (including its metaphorical and ideological dimensions. Musical examples and case studies may include (but are not limited to) a variety of Western art and popular music, Indian tala and African polyrhythm. Students will work on an original investigation applying some of the perspectives taught in the course.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Students will become familiar with a range of theories and analytical techniques, deriving from different academic traditions (e.g. music theory and analysis, ethnomusicology, and music psychology), and including basic knowledge of appropriate software, appropriate to a wide range of musical styles.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Students will achieve a basic competence in applying these skills practically through a series of formative exercises.

Key Skills:

• Students will be able to plan and implement a research project, applying approaches introduced in the module to a novel example, combining their own investigations with the ability to give and reflect on peer feedback.
• Students will be able to plan, record and upload a video presentation

• Contact time comprises 10 2-hour seminar classes. Between classes students will work through online teaching material, including watching short lecture videos, reading and trying out short analytical tasks. Class time will be used to review this material, discuss readings and musical examples, and hear short student presentations.

Students will be asked to prepare one formative assessment submissions, comprising a short video presentation. They will have an opportunity to present their work in progress within the seminar classes and receive further feedback as they prepare their essay projects. Feedback will be given by the tutor and by peers.

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.