Module Code - Title:
MD6162
-
INTERDISCIPLINARY PRACTICE
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To introduce the students to a range of interdisciplinary aesthetic and technical approaches to improvisation and composition. To provide a platform for students to engage in research that is interdisciplinary in nature and to integrate and apply this knowledge in their own practice.
Syllabus:
Students will attend a number of workshops in which music and dance faculty will demonstrate and explore aspects of the processes involved in interdisciplinary practice. Through a mentored collaboration students will develop material to present a work-in-progress at the end of the term.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Identify a range of creative approaches to performance practice with specific reference to their disciplinary and interdisciplinary contexts.
Demonstrate an ability to critically engage with principles underpinning discipline-specific practices.
Experiment with a number improvisation and composition methods using as a basis an interdisciplinary approach.
Differentiate the principles most relevant to their field of practice.
Synthesise the principles studied in the workshops in order to create short works-in-progress.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
N/A
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Skilfully perform the findings of their research.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module is taught through a series of workshops and group-based processes. The approach taken is based on Experiential Learning Theory which is a heterodox theory referring to processes of learning which entail involvement and action from the learner. Making spaces for action, reflection and critique is key to experiential learning, and for students to be able to achieve the learning outcomes listed above. Reflection involves a range of dimensions of awareness of self and experience. In this module the students will be encouraged to reflect in a creative and knowledgeable manner through doing, thinking, speaking and writing about their experiences in interdisciplinary practice. They will also use reflective processes to individually and collaboratively examine and interrogate different approaches to improvisation and composition.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Tufnell, M., & Crickmay, C. (1990)
Body space image: Notes towards improvisation and performance
, Virago
Higgins, L., & Sheehan-Campbell, P. (2010)
Free to be musical: Group improvisation in music
, Rowan and Littlefield
Tufnell, M., & Crickmay, C. (2003)
A Widening Field: Journeys in Body and Imagination
, Dance Books Ltd.
Barbour, K. (2011)
Dancing across the page: Narrative and embodied ways of knowing
, Intellect Books
Albright, A. & Gere, D. (2003)
Taken by Surprise a Dance Improvisation Reader
, Wesleyan
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MACOMUTFA - COMMUNITY MUSIC
MACSPETFA - CLASSICAL STRING PERFORMANCE
MADAPETFA - DANCE PERFORMANCE
MAETCHTFA - ETHNOCHOREOLOGY
MAETMUTFA - ETHNOMUSICOLOGY
MAFEARTFA - FESTIVE ARTS
MAITMPTFA - IRISH TRADITIONAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE
MAMUTHTFA - MUSIC THERAPY
MARCSOTFA - RITUAL CHANT AND SONG
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Oscar.Mascarenas@ul.ie