Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description A module designed to introduce the learners to deep and critical listening. Through listening to recordings, going to performances, reading books on music, and in-class discussion, learners will engage with the aesthetics, history, and ethos of music. Learners will develop abilities to listen deeply, and to interpret music in a personal and ultimately creative way. Relevant analytical, critical and historical information will be discussed and the relevant components and aesthetics of what constitutes a successful jazz performance explored. Changing aesthetics derived from the performance practices of different eras of jazz will be discussed, and the way music may be interpreted in a variety of ways explored. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Develop an ability to listen to music critically and deeply 2. Develop an ability to place music within a cultural and historical context. 3. Develop a personal aesthetic through which music can be assessed in an informed way 4. Develop an appreciation for the many elements that make up a successful performance of a piece of music | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Development of critical listening skills A module devoted to exploring the development of critical listening skills. Discussions on what constitutes a good performance, or composition in the mind of the listener. Aesthetic, historic and environmental considerations that can illuminate a piece of music. A critical look at the art of writing about music, particularly in the area of reviewing. An exploration of the major jazz writers will be undertaken. Examining different criteria that can be brought into play when listening to music created in the concert environment, or the studio environment. Historical considerations that can be taken into account when listening to music of an earlier era. Discussions will take place concerning the issues of innovation versus tradition that often form the basis of jazz criticism. Appropriate language for written musical discussions will also be explored. Over the course of the academic year, learners will write the following: CD Review 1: A 500-word review of an historic recording (pre-1980) CD Review 2: A 500-word word review of a contemporary recording (post-1980) CD Review 3: A 500-word review of an Irish jazz recording Book Review: A 500-word review of a book on jazz or related music Concert Review: A 500-word review of a live performance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||