Aims

To explore critically the topic of gender and identity as expressed mainly through British and European folk music practice.
To explore the place of men, women and other gendered actors in the formation of folk music traditions.

Outline Of Syllabus

Through analysis of contemporary and archival recordings, scores and performances, this module will consider how gender relationships have been represented in folk repertoire. We will examine what song characters and plots can reveal about the societal structures and tropes of the times from which they emerged. Gender-based tropes surrounding instrumental playing will also be explored. A socio-historical approach is taken, asking how folk music reflected and continues to reflect the attitudes, desires and environments of its performers. We will also consider current discussions surrounding gender and identity in the contemporary UK folk scene. Whilst many of the module's case studies may be based in the area of folk music practice (from the early modern period to twenty-first century) - lectures and seminars will be underpinned by texts, articles, set readings and musical resources based in the wider music, gender and identity canon which will help inform an individual student's self-selected final essay topic.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lecture materials will introduce key concepts and topics, developing students’ critical thinking and an awareness of critical literature and themes surrounding the topics. Group seminars and workshops/presentations will provide a forum for students to discuss readings and engage critically with the lecture themes and course materials. Tutorials give the opportunity for 1:1 formative feedback and guidance on assessments.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

An individual presentation will enable students to engage with and explore key critical concepts and issues in this area of study. This will give students the opportunity to further investigate specific aspects of the taught materials, and to articulate and present their ideas in a performative and oral context.

The Essay will assess academic research and writing skills based on self-selected module topics.

Students will be offered formative feedback in the form of 1:1 tutorials throughout the semester, and they will also be offered individual essay tutorials to support devising their own brief for their final essay.