Module Code - Title:
MD4044
-
TRAVELLER MUSIC STUDIES
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module will examine the music traditions of nomadic communities immediate to the Irish experience (ie. Irish, Scottish travellers and Romany Gypsys) but in a wider European context. Students will engage these music cultures in a wide cultural and physical context annd develop an understanding of the contribution of these music cultures to those of the æso-calledÆ settled community. The inclusion of this module will contribute to the mainstreaming off this area to the curricular activities of the Irish World Academy of Performing Arts.
Syllabus:
Students will study the music traditions of Irish, Scottish travellers and Romany Gypsys. For these communities issues such as Ethnicity, origin, language and Nomadism will be addressed especially as they are manifest through the musical traditions of these communities. The module will also address the historical treatment of these traditions by collectors and musicologists. Case studies will be presented to contextuialise these issues addressing the role of the Irish travelling community in the piping, song and fiddle traditions of this island, the song tradition of the Scottish traveller community and its appearance in Ireland and the fusion of Gypsy music with other music cultures across Europe.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Demonstrate a capacity for critical thought and analysis
Inform their thinking through reflection
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Identify and discuss key theoretical issues
Develop an understanding of issues of ethnicity, origin, language and Nomadism, especially as they are manifest through the musical traditions of these communities
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Critically evaluate theory within this field of study
Identify the relevant literature within this area of study
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught in the form of lectures, seminars, and on-line discussion groups and support through Sulis. This manner of teaching will encourage students to engage in theoretical discussions in relation to this area and will extend their understandings of different cultures.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
McGann, May, Séamus Ó Síocháin, Joseph Ruane (1996)
Irish Travellers: Culture and Ethnicity
, Queens University of Belfast
Kenrick, D. (2004)
Gypsys: From the Ganges to the Thames
, University of Hertfordshire Press
Neat, Timothy (1996)
The Summer Walkers: Travelling People and Pearl Fishers in the Highlands of Scotland
, Canongate
Other Relevant Texts:
Russell, Ian and Atkinson, David (Ed.s) (2004)
Folk Song: Tradition, Revival and Recreation
, University of Aberdeen Press
Stokes, Martin (1994)
Ethnicity, Identity and Music
, Berg Publishers, Oxford
MacAoidh, Caoimhin (1994)
Between the Jigs and the Reels: The Donegal Fiddle Tradition
, Drumlin Publications
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
Conor.Caldwell@ul.ie