Overview
The programme is made up of the following modules:
- English for Academic Purposes (2 x 30 credits)
- Department of Music foundation modules (4 x 15 credits)
English for Academic Purposes modules (30 credits each)
Students on all IFC Pathways take both of these compulsory modules, designed to develop your ability and confidence in the four key areas of writing, reading, listening and speaking.
| Module title |
Credits |
Academic Reading and Writing
Academic Reading and Writing
30 credits
The course covers the key aspects of writing an essay. These include features of academic style, the planning process, structuring an argument, summarising, paraphrasing techniques, referencing, avoiding plagiarism, and drafting and editing. Emphasis is given to the logic underlying Western academic writing conventions, rather than simply looking at the procedural aspects. This is supported by work on the main areas of English grammar, with a particular focus on improving grammatical range and accuracy in students’ writing.
Reading skills are also developed. Textual analysis enables students to learn about cohesion, extend their vocabulary, read for gist and specific information, infer meaning, as well as develop summary skills. The texts generally focus on a background to Western thought and culture, taking into account ancient Greeks and Romans, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment and the influence of modernity, feminism and Marxism. There is an emphasis on how to use reading in writing: to learn from other writers’ style and using their points as evidence for students’ arguments.
|
30 credits |
Academic Listening and Speaking
Academic Listening and Speaking
30 credits
Please Note: English Language Development modules are only available for students whose first language is not English.
To enhance listening skills, the course makes use of a wide range of texts, drawing firstly on commercially produced EAP materials to help students acquire the skills of listening for gist and specific information and taking useful notes. Later, the course moves on recordings from Goldsmiths library as well as BBC radio shows. Students are exposed to a range of challenging and interesting recordings related to the arts, current affairs, media, education and aspects of British culture. Many of the recordings are relevant to subjects studied at Goldsmiths, for example race and ethnicity, representation, identity and culture. Where possible, the recordings are exploited for vocabulary development.
To develop speaking skills, students will have to research and give seminar presentations and lead the class through discussion of their chosen topic. They will receive input on effective seminar techniques and functional language. There is also ongoing feedback on their presentations.
|
30 credits |
Department of Music foundation modules
You take the following four modules in the Department of Music:
Music in Context (15 credits)
You will be introduced to the development of music in its historical and cultural context. The module explores musical repertoires of all kinds (from classical, electronic, to popular) and of all periods (from medieval, renaissance to contemporary). You will focus particularly upon the stylistic/formal changes in music. As part of the course, you will develop your understanding and aural perception of diverse musical styles, and familiarise yourself with technical terms and definitions important in musical studies.
Topics in Music Studies (15 credits)
You will develop your understanding of music studies and be introduced to a variety of musical works that have acquired importance in western culture/ The works will be chosen from not only the art music category but also from music in popular or commercial vein to demonstrate a variety of forms, performance forces, styles and cultural functions. Also the module will require you to reflect on why musical works have become accepted in the way they have, and whether things might have been otherwise.
Performance and Analysis (15 credits)
You will develop not only performance techniques, which makes you a more confident performer, but also analytic methods of musical investigation, which enable you to understand music more fully and to reflect that understanding in your performance. As part of the module, you will be given 12 hours of individual instrumental/ vocal tuition.
Composition and Music Technology (15 credits)
You will be introduced to a number of compositional techniques and develop basic musico-technological skills.
Assessment
The English for Academic Purposes modules of the programme are assessed by a mixture of coursework, written examination and presentation. The music modules will include assessment of a portfolio of harmony exercises and composition, a research project and a listening assessment.
Download the programme specification, for the 2019-20 intake. If you would like an earlier version of the programme specification, please contact the Quality Office.
Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
For 2021-22 and 2020–21, we have made some changes to how the teaching and assessment of certain programmes are delivered. To check what changes affect this programme, please visit the programme changes page.
