Urban Soundscapes

This is a new compulsory course for students in their final year of a BA Music degree at SOAS, designed to consolidate the theoretical and methodological learning in ethnomusicology in the first year and second year core courses (Music and Culture; Ethnomusicology: Themes and Variations), and to offer a structured context in which to undertake a practical field project. This course will focus on urban musical practices and soundscapes, including theoretical approaches drawn from contemporary literature in ethnomusicology and associated disciplines, and will enabling students to put classroom learning into practice via a guided individual field study.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

This course seeks to develop students’ critical thinking and understanding of wider issues in the study of music and related theoretical literature, including roles played by music in the production of urban space and identity, practical fieldwork skills (including interview and recording), and wider skills of project design, implementation and writing up.

Workload

Two hours per week

Method of assessment

• One 800-word project proposal (worth 30%)
• One 2,500-word essay or podcast: fieldwork report (worth 70%)

Convenor(s)

Dr Simon Webster-Kogen

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules