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Case Studies in Music History 1 - MUS00087M

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  • Department: Music
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

In this module, we examine representative case studies in pre-20th-century music history. Case studies deal not just with musical works, but also with historiography and issues related to musical practice.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

This module aims to equip you with knowledge of pre-20th-century music history and the ability to examine that history in detail from a variety of critical angles. The module is not intended as a comprehensive survey; instead, it engages in detail with particular works, trends, practices and historical evidence, and sets these music-related aspects in their social and artistic contexts. You will have the opportunity to explore different approaches to the study of music history through material presented in class and through the preparatory reading and tasks that accompany each session. You will gain a critical understanding of topics within music history and will build an informed basis for your own research into music history throughout your MA studies.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the taught part of the module you should be able to:

  • Understand the concept of historiography and study music history in a critical and questioning manner

  • Engage in detail with selected case studies in music history

  • Apply a variety of methodologies to the study of different types of music history

  • Draw connections between music, other art forms and society in the context of particular case studies

  • Identify topics in music history that can be developed into original research projects

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.

Indicative reading

Reading lists to accompany each session will be available at the start of the semester.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.