ObjectivesThe BA in Music and Chinese Studies is a Dual Honours course, which allows you to combine the study of two subjects. Music: An extensive range of modules in level one allows you to define your own modular programme through levels two and three. You may wish to specialise at level three in composition, dissertation or performance. A personal tutor will work with you over three years to help you make the most of your studies and encourage you to excel. Lectures, seminars and group tutorials are reinforced by individual supervision or feedback. The music element of the degree is assessed through projects, performances and coursework, giving you a chance to develop your own skills and interests in an independent and creative manner. The Performance module at level one is assessed by a short recital; the level three Instrumental or Vocal Recital is given in public. While following a recital track you are given tuition on your principal instrument. Chinese Studies: On the Chinese Studies side of this degree you will follow a balanced programme that develops not only your Chinese language skills to an advanced level, but also your understanding of how China works. The language programme can accommodate both people who have not studied the language before coming to Sheffield and those with some prior knowledge. In your first year, you will take intensive Chinese language and cover (or revise) all of the core grammar of the language, with simplified characters used from the very first day. You will also take units designed to give a broad understanding of Chinese history, society, politics and the economy to help make sense of what you will see during your year abroad. You will spend your second year at the University of Nanjing, one of the leading academic institutions in China, where you will follow an intensive language programme designed to get you to an upper intermediate level. In your third year back in Sheffield, you will take more specialised modules on contemporary China and modern history. In the final year you will choose from advanced modules on Chinese business, the environment, literature and history and have the option to write a dissertation on a subject of your own choice. In the language programme over these two years, you will be working on discussions from the Chinese press, the internet, film and TV, fiction and official publications on subjects that affect the Chinese today, from education and the family to crime, the environment, ethnic relations and employment issues. You will also be introduced to and examined on traditional characters at this stage. Throughout you will have access to a wide variety of technological resources that will not only enhance your learning experience, but also improve your ability to study independently. This course is run jointly by the Department of Music and School of East Asian Studies.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements GCE/VCE A Levels - BBB-BBC Two GCE A Levels plus two GCE AS Levels - BB+BB Scottish Highers - AABB - ABBB Irish Leaving Cert. - ABBBB International Baccalaureate - 32-30 points Core Requirements - Grade B in GCE A Level Music
Academic titleBA Music and Chinese Studies
Course descriptionOur students usually select from a range of compulsory and optional modules to add up to 120 credits.
Some departments offer courses that don't feature optional modules whereas other courses are fully flexible.
Important notice :
This is a list of modules that have been offered in the past. We expect similar modules to be offered for courses starting in 2009.
This information is provided for illustration only and you should check with the department directly when applying to confirm module options.
Typical First Year Modules
Module/Unit Credits
Chinese Language I 30
Chinese Language II 30
Critical Responses to Music 10
Music of the World 10
Case Studies in Western Music 10
Composition 10
Individual Project 10
Introduction to Harmony and Counterpoint 10
Introduction to Studio Techniques 10
Listening Skills 10
Music History 10
Performance 10
Popular Music Studies 10
Stylistic Harmony 10
Typical Second Year Modules
Module/Unit Credits
China Year Abroad 120
Typical Third Year Modules
Module/Unit Credits
Chinese Language III 20
Chinese Language IV 20
Analytical Approaches to Music 20
Ballet Music in the Twentieth Century 20
Baroque Counterpoint 20
China, 1914-78: Modernity and Revolution 20
Classical Harmony 20
Contemporary Chinese Society 20
Contemporary Popular Music 20
Creative Applications of Music Technology 20
Early Nineteenth-Century Harmonic Styles 20
Ensemble Class 20
Ethnomusicology 20
History of Popular Music 20
Intermediate Composition 20
Jazz History 20
Messiaen and His Times 20
Music Perception 20
Music and Arts Administration 20
Music and the Recording Industry 20
Music in Culture and Society 20
Music in Education 20
Music in Paris 1900-45 20
Music in the Community 20
Music of Africa 20
Musical Culture in East Asia 20
Nineteenth-Century Symphonic Thought 20
Orchestral Technique 20
Practical Skills 20
Practice and Concepts of Improvisation 20
Psychological Approaches to Performance 20
Sound Recording Practice 20
State and Economy in Contemporary China 20
Studies in Music since 1945 20
The American Experimental Tradition 20
The Late Baroque 20
The Operas of Mozart 20
The String Quartet, 1770-1828 20
Wagnerian Music Drama 20
World Music Performance 20
Typical Fourth Year Modules
Module/Unit Credits
Chinese Language V 20
Chinese Language VI 20
Extended Dissertation 40
Extended Portfolio of Compositions 40
Extended Prepared Instrumental or Vocal Recital 40