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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Topics in Musicology 6
Module Code MC417 (ITS) / MPA1079 (Banner)
Faculty Humanities & Social Sciences School Theology, Philosophy & Music
Module Co-ordinator-
Module Teachers-
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Coursework Only
Description

This module spans areas that are relevant to developing an understanding of Irish traditional music performance and practice from the early twentieth-century to the present day. It begins by examining repertoire, techniques and practices of instrumental dance music and of vocal music in English and Irish language traditions. Students are introduced to historical, stylistic, and cultural perspectives pertinent to Irish traditional music. They are also presented with critical, analytic, and ethnomusicological perspectives on aspects of revival, continuity, innovation, and lived experience within the tradition. Additionally, the module addresses Irish traditional music in globalized and cross-cultural contexts.

Learning Outcomes

1. Know repertoires, performance techniques and practices of Irish traditional music in dance and song traditions
2. Analyse and appraise genres/practices of Irish traditional music in cultural and historical contexts
3. Consult song/tune collections and other archival materials relevant to Irish traditional music studies.
4. Understand and interpret various stylistic and socio-musical movements within the field of Irish traditional music, and apply critical, analytic, and ethnomusicological perspectives on specific musical examples from these movements.
5. Appraise developments of Irish traditional music in globalized and cross-cultural context



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24Weekly, Lectures
Tutorial3Tutorial groups
Independent Study46Course reading/preparation for group project
Independent Study50Course reading/exam preparation
Assignment Completion2End of semester examination
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

Part 1
Survey history of Irish traditional music Characteristics of Irish traditional dance music; Instruments: techniques, style and performance; Irish language song traditions; English language song traditions Song/tune collections and other archives of Irish traditional music

Part 2
Contemporary Developments in Irish Traditional Music Celtic Connections: Irish Traditional Music in the Global Context Musicians among the Irish diaspora The Parameters of Style in Irish Traditional Music Communities of Practice: Irish Traveller Song

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
EssayEssay60%Sem 2 End
Group project Group presentation of group research on a topic relevant to the module40%Sem 2 End
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

  • Dowling, Martin: 2014, Traditional Music and Irish Society: Historical Perspectives, Ashgate, Farnham, Surrey,
  • Fitzgerald, Mark and O’Flynn, John: 2014, Music and Identity in Ireland and Beyond, Ashgate, Farnham, Surrey,
  • McCarthy, M.: 1999, Passing It On: The Transmission of Music in Irish Culture, Cork University Press, Cork,
  • Ó Cannáin, Tomás: 1978, Traditional Music in Ireland, Routledge, London,
  • O’ Flynn, J.: 2009, The Irishness of Irish Music, Ashgate Publishing Limited, Farnham,
  • O’ Shea, H.: 2008, The Making of Irish Traditional Music, Cork University Press, Cork,
  • Ó hAllmhuráin, Gearóid: 1998, A Pocket History of Irish Traditional Music, The O’Brien Press, Dublin,
  • Smith, Therese: 2012, Ancestral Imprints: Histories of Irish Traditional Music, Cork University Press.,
  • Turino, T.: 2008, Music as Social Life: The Politics of Participation, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago and London,
  • Vallely, Fintan: 2011, The Companion to Irish Traditional Music, 2nd edition, Cork University Press,
  • • Williams, Sean: 2009, Focus: Irish Traditional Music, Routledge, London,
Other Resources

None

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