To continue the work begun in 'Materials, Methods & Context for Western Chant 1' by examining methodologies and theoretical paradigms relevant to the study and performance of Western plainchant. To deepen the investigative process using both historical musicological and ethnomusicological approaches.

Students will continue to cover topics that form a basis for the performance and advanced study of Western plainchant, and will be introduced to the historical and contextual examination of related repertoires (e.g., Old Roman, Ambrosian, Old Hispanic, Old Beneventan, Galican, etc.). Lectures and tutorials will also facilitate the tools necessary to undertake musicological, historical, and performance-based research.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to 1 Edit medieval liturgical manuscripts in a responsible manner following scholarly conventions. 2 Analyse and describe the physical features and written contents of a medieval liturgical source. 3 Investigate ritual communities and ritual activities that used Gregorian chant, recognising the limitations of this knowledge. 4 Consult primary sources in the context of performing original research and/or preparing for performance.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to 1 Appreciate the complexities of a multifaceted subject, and the limitations of our knowledge.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to 1 Handle primary sources independently and responsibly.

This module combines seminar presentations, practical work in notation and sight-reading of historic al music notation, as well as laboratories in transcription, semiotics and palaeography. Seminar presentations will combine source material studies, theoretical discussion, and presentations drawn from historical, semiotical, and cross-cultural study. Recent scholarship which is of particular relevance includes work on Chant and orality - Leo Treitler, 'With Voice and Pen', Peter Jeffery, 'Ethnomusicology in the Study of Gregorian Chant' - as well as the current and ongoing work of leading scholars such as Susan Rankin, Katarina Livljanic, David Hiley, James Grier, Emma Hornby and Edward Nowacki, amongst others. The work in the module is project-based, and includes a major chant transcription project which engages students in demonstrating their knowledge of materials and methods in a creative and articulate manner. When relevant the students will be encouraged to work in teams to develop a collaborative approach to research.