MU1005 Words and Music

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Curricular information may be subject to change

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 7

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

10.00 am Mon, Wed & Thu

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr J K Pettegree

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Team taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module will examine the relationship between words and music, discussing ways in which language and music can interact, and the different ways in which words and music may construct meaning. Examples will be drawn primarily from Western art music. No prior knowledge of musical notation is necessary to take this module. Students should, however, expect to learn and use appropriate terms and concepts to describe and analyse set works. The syllabus will draw on works composed in different cultural contexts to illustrate both short and longer sung musical genres, including some excerpts of longer, dramatic works. This module is intended to be of particular interest to students of English and other modern languages, but is open to all with an interest in music and lyrics.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Exam = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3 lectures (x10 weeks), 1 tutorial (x9 weeks) (no classes in ILW)

Scheduled learning hours

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

160

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

To develop an understanding of the cultural and social contexts in which the vocal repertoire of Western art music has been shaped and performed
To develop awareness of how words and music work together to generate meaning and significance, including awareness of the contribution made by words in shaping musical forms and genres, using appropriate technical language to describe some of these interactions
To develop skills in writing persuasive and well-structured essays, using appropriately referenced primary and secondary sources
To develop independent learning and study habits through active participation in group discussion, and through the timely design and execution of assessment

Awards

Golden Dandelion Award for excellence in Education for Sustainable Development

This module exhibits an excellent method to embed sustainability within other learning: by focussing a project around reporting on St Andrews’ sustainability effort, it both meets the module goals of teaching communication and listening in academic contexts, and exposes students to real-world issues in sustainability. This module has been awarded the Golden Dandelion Award in 2023.

You can find out about all Golden Dandelion modules