Module Details

Module Code: MMED6025
Title: Interpreting Sound & Music
Long Title: Interpreting Sound & Music
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2130 - Multimedia
Module Delivered in: 4 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides the learner with a critical understanding of audio communication, paying special
attention to music, sound art, film and audio design. The module develops the learners critical
understanding of the relationship between the cultural values and audio traditions. It addresses the
sociological, psychological and technological influences on the creation and interpretation of the audio
‘artifact’ with particular emphasis on the ‘digital age’.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss knowledge of sound based and related aspects of culture both in relation to music concepts, audio forms and technologies;
LO2 Evaluate the impact of sound on popular culture with particular reference to music and film;
LO3 Identify and contextualise sound colour and the orchestral palette;
LO4 Apply different strategies to the analysis, interpretation and appreciation of sound works;
LO5 Critically assess the assumed dominance of the visual in contemporary civilization.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).

Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.

No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Music Appreciation
Appreciation of music and sound art inc. contemporary compositional, design-oriented and discursive approaches;
Musical Analysis
Structural analysis of key music works: time division, sound languages, sound color, orchestration, etc.;
Music Culture
Identifying cultural concepts and rationale which led to artistic/creative change: from Renaissance to 21st Century mass communication/globalization;
Film Music
Relationship of sound to image – the importance of sound in film and ‘digital media’ products;
Technology and Music
Relationship of sound to technology – development from live to recorded music in performance and distribution;
Traditional Music
Introduction to traditional music notation and theory:
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 3 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Seminar on a chosen topic
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,5
Assessment Description
Essay examining the effects of Music/Audio in Culture
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 3,4
Assessment Description
Assessment - Identify a variety of instruments and genres, and take dictation on melodies and rhythms.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Discussion on audio culture and music instruments Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Reading, writing, and analysing western music notation systems Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Preparation of essay, seminars, and assessment study Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Rob Young (Editor). (2003), Undercurrents: The Hidden Wiring of Modern Music, Continuum International Publishing Group, [ISBN: 978-0826464507].
  • Christoph Cox (Editor), Daniel Warner (Editor). (2004), Audio Culture: Readings in Modern Music, Continuum International Publishing Group, [ISBN: 978-0826416155].
  • Donald J. Grout (Author), ), J. Peter Burkholder (Author). (2014), A History of Western Music, 9th. W. W. Norton, [ISBN: 978-039391829].
  • Cooke, Mervyn. (2008), A history of film music, Cambridge University Press, New York, p.562, [ISBN: 97805210104].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HMMED_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative Digital Media 3 Mandatory
CR_HDMTE_8 Certificate in Digital Media Design and Development 1 Elective
CR_GMUTE_9 Master of Arts in Music and Technology 1 Group Elective 1
CR_GMUST_9 Master of Science in Music and Technology 1 Group Elective 1