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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Technology Portfolio Irish Trad Music
Module Code MPA1051 (ITS: MC310)
Faculty Theology, Philosophy & Music School Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

This module offers an opportunity for students to develop their knowledge of Irish music through aural, practical and academic engagement; and also facilitates engagement with technological resources such as notation software and recording/sequencing programmes.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a solid understanding of Irish traditional music, its features, its principal exponents, and its influences from and on the cultural life of Ireland and beyond.
2. Identify and adapt appropriate resources for the learning and teaching of Irish vocal and instrumental music, including regional styles.
3. Show competence and creativity in the use of music notation software appropriate to Year 3.
4. Source and utilise appropriate programmes for editing and manipulating recorded sound.
5. Apply knowledge and competencies gained to the teaching context.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture24Lectures on course content
Assignment Completion48Developing proficiency in music software, preparation of graded and ungraded tasks
Independent Study53Research and listening in a range of Irish Music areas; online and paper-based research in knowledge of music software
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN20769Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorSeán DohertyModule Teacher
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
ProjectIrish Music research project50%Once per semester
AssignmentMusic Notation assignment50%Once per semester
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

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

This combined module includes sections on
Irish Music and Music Technology. The Irish Music section involves an exploration, through aural, audio-visual and academic paths, of the instrumental and vocal music of Ireland and its place in the culture of this country and further afield. Students will develop confidence and expertise in identifying the principal features of Irish music and performance styles. The Music Technology section offers an opportunity to become familiar with and adept in the use of notation, editing and recording software for use in composition and educational contexts.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Fintan Vallely (ed.): 1999, The Companion to Irish Traditional Music, Cork University Press,
  • Harry White: 1998, The Keeper's Recital: Music and Cultural History in Ireland, 1770-1970, Cork University Press/Field Day,
  • Barra Boydell and Harry White (eds): 2013, The Encyclopaedia of Music in Ireland, University College Dublin Press,
  • Gerard Gillen and Harry White (eds): 0, Irish Musical Studies, Vols 1-6, Irish Academic Press,
  • Barra Boydell: 2004, A History of Music at Christ Church Cathedral, Boydell & Brewer,


Articles:
None
Other Resources

  • Notated Music: Irish Dance Tunes, www.thesession.org
  • Audio/Video: Various artists, Irish Music: Audio and Video Recordings, www.youtube.com
  • Audio/Video: Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Audio and Video Resources, www.comhaltas.ie
  • Website: Software and Use Support, MuseScore, www.musescore.org
  • Additional Resources: Course Lecturer, Module-Specific materials,

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for MC310