Module Code - Title:
MD6181
-
SONGWRITING STYLE AND CONTEXT 1
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
In this module students explore songwriting, songwriters and repertoires and the creation of meaning and the construction of identity through songwriting and performance. Students consider various cultural, economic, social, political and historical contexts, focusing particularly on issues of genre.
Syllabus:
The many processes involved in songwriting are examined across a range of genres, cultures and epochs, engaging with exemplary songwriters, repertoires and practices, within their cultural, economic, social, political and historical contexts.
Students engage with the multiple ways in which song style and performance practice develop in response to shifting social, economic, political and artistic conditions.
The module examines how these act as important identity markers for communities of practice, and how songwriters negotiate the representation and dissemination of image and songs as commercially mediated products or commodities.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Knowledge and understanding of various songwriting genres and songwriting practices.
Knowledge and understanding of specific songwriters craft.
Knowledge and understanding of the processes and contexts which shape songwriting.
An ability to analyse specific songs in their wider historical, social, cultural and production contexts.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Develop a deeper understanding of the songwriting process.
Enhance student understandings of the affective dimensions of the creative process.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module is delivered through a series of weekly seminars. There is particular emphasis on the contributions of musicologists, sociologists, cultural historians and other academic disciplines in the delivery of the seminars. A case-study approach is utilized in order to give students a 360-degree perspective on the writing of individual songs. A range of teaching strategies are used ranging from public conversations/interviews with songwriters to the more traditional lecture format. Students develop their capacity for critical thinking and develop greater awareness of the wider historical, and cultural contexts of their own and others' artistic practices.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Cohen, Ronald, D.; Capaldi, James. (Eds.) (2013)
The Pete Seeger Reader
, Oxford University Press
Jackson, Mark Allan (2009)
Prophet Singer: The voice and vision of Woodie Guthrie
, University Press of Mississippi
Marc, Isabelle; Green, Stuart. (2016)
The singer-songwriter in Europe: paradigms, politics and place.
, Ashgate
Heble, Ajay; Fischlin, Daniel (2003)
Rebel Musics: human rights, resistant sounds, and the politics of music making
, Black Rose Books
Baez, Joan (2009)
And a Voice to Sing With: A Memoir
, Simon & Schuster
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
stephen.tj.ryan@ul.ie