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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Composition, Theory & Applied Techniques 5
Module Code MC301 (ITS) / MPA1042 (Banner)
Faculty Humanities & Social Sciences School Theology, Philosophy & Music
Module Co-ordinatorBarbara Dignam
Module Teachers-
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
None
Description

The module builds on students’ musical knowledge and music writing techniques by extending topics explored in the previous two years of the course: key relationships, chord construction and progression, and theoretical and applied aspects of harmony and counterpoint. Students engage in detail with the harmonic language of the late Baroque and its application to choral and keyboard genres. Practical application of these components involves choral settings of hymn tune and completion of a piece for keyboard instrument both of which involve a basic level of skill in keyboard harmony. Knowledge and practice in relation to 20th and 21st Century composition techniques are extended, developing students’ skills in composing in a contemporary style. Additionally, the module develops students’ aural perception and engagement with technology, and deepens their awareness of music writing in stylistic context.

Learning Outcomes

1. Appraise and simulate four-part homophonic harmonization of a hymn tune for SATB choir showing a detailed knowledge of harmonic principles of the late Baroque style
2. Demonstrate an understanding of imitative counterpoint and show skill in manipulating harmonic progressions to produce independent melodic parts
3. Show a knowledge of writing in an imitative style for keyboard
4. Display, through analysis and written examples, a broad knowledge of functional harmony as it is employed in different contexts of art music
5. Employ music technology software in student-directed learning
6. Compose a short, original piece in a contemporary style, for trio (including piano) OR a quartet of woodwind and/or strings or an extended piece for solo piano, or an original piece for solo acoustic instrument and prerecorded tape.
7. Develop a sound critical understanding of 20th and 21st century musical techniques and an awareness of a range of creative developments in this period



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture36Lecture/workshops
Independent Study89Independent Learning
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Classical Techniques
• Seventh Chords • Transitions and Modulations • Secondary dominant chords • Bach’s Chorale Harmonisations • Imitative Counterpoint • Suspensions • Sequences • Keyboard Inventions • Modal Harmony

Contemporary composition
• A series of lecture workshops exploring a number of techniques used by composers over the last 50 years • Contemporary techniques in writing for the piano • Processes based on minimalism • Reference to and examples given from major composers both of the recent past and those working currently • Introduction to sequencing and editing using music technology software • Constant review of students’ work-in-progress

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Music CompositionOriginal Composition20%n/a
ParticipationCourse work, three times weekly30%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories:
Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module.
Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Bowman, David and Terry, Paul: 1993, Aural Matters: A Student’s Guide to Aural Matters at Advanced Level, Schott Educational Publications, Mainz,
  • Butterworth, Anna: 2000, Harmony in Practice, ABRSM Publishing, London,
  • Cope, David: 1997, Techniques of the Contemporary Composer, Shirmer Books, New York,
  • Steinitz, Paul and Sterman, Stella: 1974, Harmony in Context, Belwin Mills, Croydon,
  • Sturman, Paul: 1983, Harmony Melody and Composition, Longman, Harlow, Essex,
  • Wilkinson, Roy: 1991, ABC of Harmony, Music Square, Singapore,
Other Resources

None

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