Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Who makes music? Who consumes it? And why? This unit examines the cultural production of different kinds of music through topics such as the difference between amateur and professional musicians, the economic and cultural 'value' of specific musical styles, the way in which music is shaped by state, institutions and industries, and also how music reflects the time and place in which it is made. Students will look at musical tastes, how people access music and why some kinds of music engender 'passion' or 'devotion'. A particular emphasis of the unit will be the study of 'music scenes' in Melbourne and the socio-cultural and economic factors that shape the musical landscape of the city.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, COM4270 students will be able to demonstrate:

1. An understanding of theoretical debates in communications, sociology, musicology, and allied fields that deal specifically with the production and consumption of music.
2. The ability to analyze how factors such as culture, economy, politics and policy, shapes the production and consumption of music.
3. The ability to understand how different 'music scenes' function and how they differ from each other.
4. A familiarity with ethnographic and empirical methods for researching the production and consumption of music in specific locations.

Assessment

Essay I (Theory and debates) (4,500 words): 50%
Essay II (Case study) (4,500 words): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Eduardo de la Fuente

Contact hours

One 2-hour seminar per week

Prerequisites

Completion of Bachelor of Arts or equivalent