Global Histories of Music

Module description

Global Histories of Music engages with multiple music histories beyond the Global North, offering alternative perspectives on music to Eurocentric historical narratives.

 

Assessment details

• 2,500 word essay (60%)
• take-away exam (40%)

Educational aims & objectives

• To place musical cultures and their histories in critical and creative dialogue, and to understand these in relation to major historical events such as colonialism, postcolonialism, or globalisation.
• To deepen the students' understanding of diverse ways of writing musical histories through detailed regional case studies.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practical skills appropriate to a Level 6 module and in particular will be able to demonstrate:

• a sound, comparative understanding of the cultural history of music in specific regions, with a focus on the interplay of 'indigenous' and 'foreign' cultures in the context of asymmetrical power relations.
• a detailed knowledge of musicological and ethnomusicological approaches to music.
• an ability to differentiate between and to critique different historiographical paradigms and issues in relation to specific world areas.
• an ability to discuss aspects of musical culture within the framework of these issues and paradigms, including but not restricted to social, political, mercantile, ideological and music-specitic issues.
• a wider ability to use evidence from studying the musical field to contribute to, challenge, and critique pre-existing historical paradigms, rather than merely interpreting musical culture through them.
• all these skills in written argument and seminar discussions

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.