Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, candidates will have:

  • Become familiar with and able to delve into literature within the field of popular music studies.
  • Knowledge of and able to explain the research-historical background for the choice of theories and methods in their research.
  • The ability to apply concepts from popular musicology in their research, which includes confronting or combining different theories and methods.

Contents

The course, through curriculum, presentations, and teaching, aims to provide a deeper understanding of the theoretical scientific discussions taking place within popular music studies and connect these to general questions within the philosophy of science. The theoretical approaches involve systematic exploration of relevant research methods. Important topics include performance practices in music and cultural analytical perspectives, discourses within ethnomusicology, historiography, sociology, and artistic research, new challenges in the music industry, and the increasing influence of artificial intelligence. Furthermore, hybrid research methods that link musicological reflections with performance practices and artistic productions will be addressed. The candidate will delve into and apply extensive literature that operates at the interdisciplinary research front within popular music studies.

Teaching and learning methods

The course is obligatory. The teaching takes place across three to four gatherings, which last from two to three days each. The gatherings will include a combination of lectures, seminar discussions and presentation and discussion of papers.

Examination requirements

The candidates are to prepare a paper in which connections are made between relevant literature and the candidate’s own thesis project. The paper shall have a scope of maximum 10 pages. The paper must be ready before the gathering, and will be presented during it.

The candidate shall provide a commentary on another candidate’s paper.

Examinations

Individual paper with a scope of maximum 10 pages with spaces, and not including references and bibliography. The submitted paper is to be assessed by the individual with course responsibility and an external examiner. If the paper is assessed as a fail, a reason for this will be provided, as well as advice with regard to making improvements, and a new submission deadline given.

Assessed with the grade: pass/fail

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 2:30:00 PM