Aims: To understand key approaches that have been adopted in the study of the music industries. To understand the interdisciplinary character of research into the music industries and to be able to find and evaluate relevant studies and approaches. To develop skills in exposition and argument. To provide a basic training in humanities research at postgraduate level.

(LO1) By the end of the module students will have an understanding of key approaches to the study of the music industries.

(LO2) By the end of the module students will be able to identify the distinct contributions of, and relations between, the various disciplines that have taken the music industries as their object of study.

(LO3) By the end of the module students will have developed skills in research appropriate for the study of the music industries at postgraduate level, including library research skills, and the ability to evaluate various kinds of evidence.

(LO4) By the end of the module, students will be able to plan a humanities research project.

(S1) Communication, listening and questioning, respecting others, contributing to discussions

(S2) Digital scholarship participating in emerging academic, professional and research practices that depend on digital systems

(S3) Information technology (application of) adopting, adapting and using digital devices, applications and services

(S4) Information literacy online, finding, interpreting, evaluating, managing and sharing information

(S5) Learning skills online studying and learning effectively in technology-rich environments, formal and informal

(S6) Literacy application of literacy, ability to produce clear, structured written work and oral literacy - including listening and questioning

(S7) Research management developing a research strategy, project planning and delivery, risk management, formulating questions, selecting literature, using primary/secondary/diverse sources, collecting and using data, applying research methods, applying ethics

The module examines approaches to the study of the music industries. A key issue here is the interdisciplinary nature of the field; the module will look at examples of different approaches from areas such as Sociology and History, which have made contributions to our understanding of this subject. The module also deals in a practical way with how research in the field is conducted. Students learn how to plan and develop a research project in preparation for their dissertation. Library resources will be available through the module reading list and other key learning resources will be accessible through CANVAS. Students will be guided toward some specific reading and will also be required to find their own resources which relate to their planned dissertation topic.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture/Seminar
Description: The weekly lecture session will introduce key approaches, research considerations and encourage critical analysis, reflection and problem-solving. This session will combine seminar-style discussion: encouraging students to take an active role in the learning process through small group work and the whole class discussion. This module aims to develop each student's skills as independent researchers.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Group Tutorial
Description: In the tutorial sessions students will be able to discuss and receive guidance on the development of their dissertation projects.
Attendance Recorded: Yes