Module: Topics in Musicology 6

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Topics in Musicology 6
Module Code	MPA1079 (ITS: MC417)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Weekly, Lectures
Tutorial	3	Tutorial groups
Independent Study	46	Course reading/preparation for group project
Independent Study	50	Course reading/exam preparation
Assignment Completion	2	End of semester examination
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20773	Part of Term	Semester 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	Robert Harvey

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	Essay	60%	Sem 2 End
Group project	Group presentation of group research on a topic relevant to the module	40%	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

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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,

Articles:

Keegan, N.: 2011, ‘The linguistic turn at the turn of the tune: the language of ‘contemporary ensemble’ in Irish traditional music’, Ethnomusicology Ireland, 1(1), 37-48,

Other Resources

None