University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module explores the ways in which music operates as a means of challenging, disrupting, and resisting the social order. It encourages students to reflect on the relationship between art, power, and resistance by critically engaging with a wide range of ‘protest’ songs. To this end, the module critically analyses specific pieces of music through the application of a wide range of conceptual tools drawn from critical, decolonial, race, and feminist theories. It intends to advance students’ sociological imagination by fostering the awareness of the value of the ‘aesthetic dimension’ as a means of dissensus, with a particular emphasis on the theme of social change.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Critically reflect upon the relation between music, power, and resistance.
  2. Critically analyse specific pieces of music with the use of a variety of conceptual tools introduced on the module.
  3. Develop an advanced sociological imagination, especially in relation to social change.
  4. Complete two independent pieces of coursework that are competently researched and presented, and correctly referenced.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Sound, Society and the Geography of Popular Music" by Ola Johansson,Thomas L. Bell
    ISBN: 9780754675778.
    Publisher: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.
  2. "The Resisting Muse" by Ian Peddie
    ISBN: 9780754651147.
    Publisher: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.
  3. "Sounds of Resistance: The Role of Music in Multicultural Activism. Volume 1: Activism in the United States" by Royas, E. and Michie, L. (eds)
    ISBN: 978-0-313-398.
    Publisher: Praeger
  4. "The Routledge Reader on the Sociology of Music." by Shepherd, J. and Devine, K. (eds)
    ISBN: 978-0-203-736.
    Publisher: Routledge
The above information outlines module SP3198: "Songs of Rebellion: Power, Resistance, and Affect" and is valid from 2022 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.