Aims

'Music and Visual Culture' is a theory-oriented module that includes an historical, cultural and critical evaluation of selected visual documents. The module gives a broad overview of music iconography and visual culture studies methodologies in the study of past and present musical images, using an interdisciplinary approach. The images considered in the module are evaluated within their historical and cultural contexts and in relation to the typical examples of visual arts of their times. The module aims to activate and embolden an appreciation of music images and to allow students to make comparisons and experience the connections between different visual forms. The module also encourages students to apply visual culture studies methodologies to their own practice as musicians, listeners to music and/or observers of musical images. No previous musical knowledge is needed.

The module is designed to:
- offer students an introduction to music iconography and visual culture theories, methodologies and major writings, through the consideration of a corpus of selected images;
- illustrate how music iconography and visual culture studies consider and analyse past and present music visual representations.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module typically covers a range of topics, including:

- methodologies of research on music iconography and visual culture;
- artworks interpretations;
- graphic notation;
- visual sound recordings;
- visual representations of musical instruments;
- photography;
- album covers.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will introduce issues, approaches and concepts, and give the opportunity to discuss and explore these further. Lectures will furthermore focus on the detailed study of selected works of art from selected artist, scenes, and cultures; on key issues that arise in the course of such study; and on the various approaches that Visual Culture scholars may take. Seminars will be an opportunity to explore in depth the issues considered in the previous lecture through a student-led discussion. Drop-in / Surgery one-to-one sessions will be an opportunity to discuss assessment planning matters with the course leader.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The purpose of the formative assessment is to verify, halfway through the course, what the students' learning levels are, based on the evaluation of a case study.

The purpose of the essay is to present a well-informed debate that recognizes theoretical perspectives on Music Iconography and Visual Culture studies. The students should aim to debate thoroughly key critical issues, using images as comparative case studies where appropriate. The students should present a coherent set of images and argument, and should show their ability to bring together information from different sources in a creative manner. The essay should therefore represent a synthesis of their readings and ideas, demonstrating the depth of their understanding of the theories, methodologies and images considered during the module.