Module: Written Analysis Project

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Written Analysis Project
Module Code	MPA1075 (ITS: MC412)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

A module designed to encourage learners to look at specific musical material at great depth, and in deep technical detail, and to give them direction in how to do this most effectively. The module will help the learner to gain a broad insight into jazz performance through an in-depth study of a performer, a historical period, or a current development in jazz performance practice. Learners will consult with their principal instrumental/vocal tutor in deciding on and sourcing appropriate material for analysis

Learning Outcomes

1. Analyse technical aspects of playing jazz at great depth
2. Incorporate the knowledge gleaned from the analysis in order to benefit in developing their own music
3. Gain insight into critical thinking and professional academic presentation of information
4. Understand analysis methods and how to use interpretive knowledge

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Assignment Completion	120	Research, analysis and composition of essay
Tutorial	5	Consultation with tutor
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11186	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Jenna Harris	Module Teacher	Ronan Guilfoyle

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Written Exam	4000 word essay analysing a specific performer, or technique	100%	Sem 2 End

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

Exploring a specific aspect of jazz performance
The learner will undertake a project, consisting of a 4000-word essay in which they will thoroughly explore a specific aspect of jazz performance – either historical or contemporary. The essay will demonstrate a broad understanding of jazz performance through an in-depth study of a performer, a historical period, or a current development in jazz performance practice. The project will also demonstrate the research the learner has undertaken to fully study the chosen subject, with references to recordings and other source materials. The learner will engage throughout the year with a tutor to identify suitable material for the essay and to get assistance in presentation and content of the analysis presented.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Lewis Porter: 1998, John Coltrane, University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, 047208643X
Paul F. Berliner: 1994, Thinking in jazz, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 0226043819
Mark C. Gridley: 2009, Jazz styles, Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, N.J., 0136005896

Articles:

Kain, Patricia: 1999, Beginning the Academic Essay, Harvard University, http://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/beginning-academic-essay,

Other Resources

Website: Grove Music Online, http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/public
Website: Jazz and classical analysis website, http://thinkingmusic.ca/