BA (Hons) History and Music Bachelor's degree at Royal Holloway, University of London

Royal Holloway's first year foundation History module. This module covers the broad sweep of human history, introducing first-year students to different topics and themes - from the rise of Christianity to the rise of modern nation states. Explores how historians discussed themes like Revolution or Gender, what kinds of sources they used. Contemplates how understanding of what history is and what it is for has evolved. Includes 'public history' dimension with group poster project and presentatio

Develops basic music-analytical literacy and introduces basic concepts concerning counterpoint, harmony, melody and form that underpin the analysis of music. Addresses the contrapuntal, melodic, harmonic and formal elements of tonal music. Weekly lectures supplemented by private study and recommended readings.

Assessment: Weekly lectures with practical exercises, listening, score study, and completion of practical exercises. Private study based on Moodle and recommended readings.

Develops students' awareness of music theory through practical exercises and musical analysis. Students develop the ability to identify and analyse the musical parameters of metre, rhythm, pitch, harmony, counterpoint and form. In-class exercises may focus on listening; exercises for self-study or small-group work may include written exercises.

Assessment: In-class exercises focusing on listening; exercises for self-study or small-group work including written exercises. Tasks set for private study between classes.

Introduces fundamental techniques of music composition. Topics typically include: Soundworlds and scale formations; The vertical dimension: chords and simultaneities; The horizontal dimension: melody and voice leading; Developments in rhythm; Developments in harmonic vocabulary and tonalities; Form in contemporary composition; Acoustic timbre and texture.

Gives students the opportunity to practise the art of musical composition and develop skills in independent creative work. Topics typically include: Writing for solo instrument or voice with accompaniment; Writing for small chamber ensemble; Introduction to media and film music; Studio techniques.

Introduces a wide range of repertories within the history of music. Stimulates students to relate features of musical compositions and performances to their wider historical contexts. Provides fundamental knowledge of specific musical cultures. Offers a conceptual map of musical styles, composers and practices by introducing a wide chronological range of repertories, from early music to music of the twentieth century.

Introduces concepts underlying the historical and critical study of music. Stimulates students to relate features of musical compositions and performances to wider historical contexts. Introduces students to the different kinds of historical question that we can ask about music. Interrogates terminology and categories frequently used in the secondary literature (e.g. canonisation, reception, tradition, nationalism, exoticism, the work concept). Uses case-studies to illuminate specific topics and

Introduces students to the socio-cultural contexts, functions, philosophies, techniques, and organising principles of a variety of musics of the world; musics from at least three continents will be studied. Approached from both theoretical and practical perspectives, giving a variety of opportunities for hands-on experience. A typical curriculum might cover regions including South America, Africa, Indonesia, North India, Papua New Guinea, and Iran with theoretical themes such as culture, contact

Introduces students to a range of key debates and issues in contemporary musicology and to a range of key issues concerning music in the contemporary world. Encourages students to think about music's relation to social and cultural contexts and introduces unfamiliar musical styles and repertoires. Surveys some of the key contemporary issues in music that have arisen from the changes of the modern world.

Explores developments within the discipline of History over the last 50 years. Investigates how the practice and making of 'History' has moved from seeking 'explanation' to providing 'meaning', and from identifying 'causes' to deepening 'understanding'. Provides students with understanding of how History as a discipline is practised in the early twenty-first century.

Explores 'big ideas'. Students choose one workshop from a range of options and focus on a particular theme, developing expertise while honing skills of historical analysis and conceptual interpretation. Students explore their chosen 'concept' in diverse historical settings, taking in chronologies from the ancient to the modern, across different geographies. Emphasises collaborative learning and group work. Recent workshop themes have included: Class, Emotions, Empire, Food and Drink, Household a

An 8000 word piece of independent work based on original and sustained primary source research. The culmination of the research skills learned over the degree. Joint Honours students may choose to do a Dissertation in History or in their other academic department. Based on close and in-depth engagement with primary material formulating a new and convincing argument. Dissertations are attached to one of the Special Subject Modules.