University of St Andrews - Scotland's first university, founded 1413

Module Catalogue

For information on which modules are specific to your programme, please see : Programme requirements index 2024-2025.

Curricular information may be subject to change.

MU1003 Understanding Music

Academic year(s): 2024-2025

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 7

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: 3.00 pm Mon, Tue and Thu

This module aims to develop skills and knowledge that will help students to get more out of the experience of listening to Western art music. Surveying set works drawn from different periods, the module considers the roots, emergence and establishment of this repertoire and its associated practices. Students will consider how musical compositions were historically shaped by cultural and material contexts, and will develop analytical skills in using musical scores to describe musical organisation, style, and genre. Students are not required to perform as part of this module, but some prior familiarity with western musical notation is necessary.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Advisory: students should be able to decode basic standard western notation. A diagnostic test will be carried out on enrolment to ascertain whether you have the musical score literacy to succeed on the module.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: Weekly contact: 3 lectures from week 1, and 1 tutorial (various times tba) from week 2. Orientation week: enrolment meeting and diagnostic test.

Scheduled learning hours: 41

Guided independent study hours: 159

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment: Exam = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr J K Pettegree
Module teaching staff: Team taught

Intended learning outcomes

To develop a broad understanding of Western music history as an evolving tradition that combines particular ideas about music theory with the material conditions and practice arising in particular historical contexts
To develop skills in musical analysis and score reading using standard western musical scores, gaining confidence in applying this technical knowledge accurately and precisely
To develop confidence in linking musical literacy with the student's experience of listening to music
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