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Migrating Musics

Key information

  • Module code:

    5AAMS378

  • Level:

    5

  • Semester:

      Spring

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

Through a focus on music and migration, this module addresses two fundamental questions in historical musicology and ethnomusicology: what is our relationship with the past? and what is our relationship with the Other?  Charting the movement of people around the globe from the sixteenth-century onwards will provide students with historical depth to consider contemporary issues related to migration.  To explore these questions, students will utilise various methodological apparatus and approaches, from psychoanalysis and historiography to urban ethnography.  Students will be exposed to wide-ranging musics from across the globe, and consider their relevance to theories of globalisation, cosmopolitanism and diaspora.  This comparative focus will encourage students to think beyond national and cultural boundaries, and make connections across different historical periods.  

Assessment details

Exam [40%]

2500 word essay [60%]

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practical skills appropriate to a Level 5 module and in particular will be able to:

  • Theorise the relationship (historical, technological, social, and political) between migration and music.
  • Discuss, in depth, specific musical repertoire from around the world (including inter alia the 19th Century Symphony, Mexican Banda, Bhangra Rap and Roma Traveller) in their socio - historical contexts.
  • Describe key technological developments (travel, war, communications, internet) and their impact on music and historiography.
  • Interpret those developments within specific theoretical frameworks (Lacan; Victor Turner; Charles Taylor;Homi Bhabha).
  • Situate concepts such as globalisation, diaspora and cosmopolitanism historically.
  • Discuss local level music practice within broader, global processes.

Department

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.