Module Code - Title:
MD4081
-
Irish Music and Dance Studies
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The purpose of this module is to more deeply engage issues in Irish traditional music and dance studies and, in this context, to apply cultural theory to Irish music and dance Studies in a deeper and more creative way. These issues will be in the interactive contexts of Irish traditional music, song and dance, interrogating themes of difference and identity as relevant to traditional musicians in the past and present.
Syllabus:
Specific issues will be focused on in the areas of Irish and English Language Song; the multitude of Irish dance styles as well as instrumental practice. These are to be addressed using a thematic approach which will engage theoretical areas such as identity, ethnicity,globalisation and the meaning of tradition. As such this is a research led module and themes and approaches will be developed by the course leader in association with fellow faculty.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Examine the factors which influence the development of repertoires in Irish traditional music, song and dance practice.
Examine a variety of themes and apply to Irish Music and Dance Studies.
Develop research skills in sourcing information.
Engage with reading material to develop critical thinking skills.
Present a written argument outlining a personal opinion on the work of key theorists in the field.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Critically examine contemporary developments in the Irish traditions.
Interrogate the meaning of tradition.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module will be taught through a mixture of lectures and tutorials. It will have traditional academic outcomes. The module will be based on the current research activities of music and dance specialists from a broad range of disciplines at the Irish World Academy presented thematically by the module coordinator. As such this module has UL graduate attributes at its core, focusing on knowledge based outputs rooted in a collaborative and creative approach to new research and practice. Students will be able to articulate their understanding of the Irish traditional music and dance traditions in a culturally engaged and responsible manner.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Dowling, Martin (2014)
Traditional Music and Irish Society:Historical Perspectives
, Ashgate
O'Shea (2008)
The Making of Irish Music
, Cork University Press
Vallely, Fintan (2013)
The Companion to Irish Traditional Music
, Cork University Press
White, Harry (1998)
The Keeper's Recital: Music and Cultural History in Ireland, 1770-1970
, Cork University Press
Smith, Therese (Ed.) (2012)
Ancestral Imprints - Histories of Irish Traditional Music and Dance
, Cork University Press
Other Relevant Texts:
OSuilleabhain, Micheal (1990)
"The Creative Process in Irish Traditional Music" in Irish Music Studies 1: Musicology in Ireland
, Irish Academic Press
MacAoidhe, Caoimhe (1994)
Between the Jigs and the Reels,
, Drumlin Press,
Brennan (2000)
THE STORY OF IRISH DANCE
, BRANDON BOOKS
Foley, Catherine (2013)
Step Dancing in Ireland: Culture and History
, Ashgate
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
orfhlaith.nibhriain@ul.ie