Skip to main content
Norges musikkhøgskole Norwegian Academy of Music Search

Music His­tory I

Course description

The course is obligatory for students on the English language version and is designed to give the students a basic introduction to music history and analysis.

Learning objectives

On completion of this course, the student is expected to

  • be able to demonstrate a broad understanding of music from a historical, analytical and cultural perspective
  • be able to apply and document relevant historical, theoretical and practical knowledge of music
  • be able to reflect verbally and in writing on music and its place in society on the basis of key perspectives on music history

Overview

The course comprises a main module on music history and an introductory module on folk music.

A: Main module on music history

The main module concentrates on topics from the renaissance to the 21st century. Key elements in the module are

  • study of musical works
  • music listening
  • analytical approaches
  • discussions and reflections

B: Introductory module on Norwegian folk music

  • Various Norwegian folk music traditions.
  • Folk instruments and folk songs.
  • Tonality and rhythm.
  • Practical performance of folk dances and folk music.

Structure

The main module on music history is normally given as a weekly seminar in which the student’s active involvement is key.

The introductory module on Norwegian folk music is held during a project week in the second semester.

The students are automatically registered for tuition/supervision and assessment in the subject in line with the progression set out in the education plan.

Course requirements

1. Main module

1. The student should give one oral presentation per semester, i.e. two presentations in total. Duration: approx. 10 minutes.

2. The student should write a reflective paper on the topic of music and its place in society. Detailed instructions will be issued by the course tutor. Length: 1500 words.

Deadlines are provided in the annual schedule for the course, which will be released at the start of the academic year.

2. Introductory module on Norwegian folk music

3. Attendance is mandatory. This usually means that if the student has an absence rate above 20% they will not be enrolled for the final assessment.

4. Attendance is mandatory at the Thursday night concert as part of the introductory module.

Final assessment

All course requirements must be met in order for the student to be enrolled for the final assessment.

Assessment is based on learning objectives. The final assessment is given as a graded mark and determined on the basis of two-part exams with equal weighting. The assessment is carried out by at least two internal examiners.

Part exam 1

Written in-school exam (duration: 4 hours) at the end of the first semester of the course. The student will be tested in the autumn semester syllabus for the main module on music history.

Part exam 2

Written in-school exam (duration: 4 hours) at the end of the second semester of the course. The student will be tested in the spring semester syllabus for the main module on music history.

New assessment

In the case of re-assessment, the same procedures apply.

Vedtatt i studieutvalget 01.09.2020

Published: Sep 16, 2020 — Last updated: Dec 18, 2023