Course Resources Archive

This module builds upon the outcomes of the first year module MD4303 and is concerned with identifying issues surrounding the consumption of popular music. It will concentrate on the notion of music as a communicative practice that 'resonates' with its audience. It will also examine music as a method of representing identities.

The module enables students to explore how music is encountered and utilised by various different audiences and consumers. It will prioritise John Fiske's theory of the resonant text whereby popular music has to mean something to an audience in order to become popular. Emphasis will be placed on the consumption rather than the production of music and consequently, points and places of consumption will be covered..

A student passing this module should be able to:...

1. Evaluate the discourses surrounding the notion of audience
2. Identify how discursive constructions of the audience may impact on understandings of music as a communicative practice
3. Describe different research methodologies with regard to representation of identity
4. Critically examine the discourses of power in representations of music consumption in e.g. art, literature, mass media.
5. Communicate findings cogently and clearly in written assessments.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.