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Module WXM-3209:
Brazilian Music and Culture

Module Facts

Run by School of Music and Media

10 Credits or 5 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr Jochen Eisentraut

Overall aims and purpose

  1. to offer an introduction to a selection of Brazilian popular music genres.
  2. to offer an overview of Brazilian history and culture, particularly of the last 100 years.
  3. to promote a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, political and intellectual currents that have influenced Brazilian music and its reception and analysis.
  4. to promote a deeper understanding of ethnomusicological approaches to studying music.

Course content

The module will explore some important Brazilian musical genres and relate these to cultural and political developments in the country. The impact of Brazilian popular music outside Brazil will be discussed as well as the effect of foreign music on the country. The module will give students the opportunity to familiarise themselves with several musical styles and artists. Key ideas for the analysis of the issues covered will also be discussed.

Assessment Criteria







Learning outcomes

  1. demonstrated a deep knowledge and understanding of a range of Brazilian musics.

  2. demonstrated a thorough understanding of the manner in which particular themes and issues in ethnomusicology might be explored with specific reference to the chosen area.

  3. demonstrated an acute critical understanding of developments in Brazilian and global culture, and how these have interacted.

  4. shown that they have made level-appropriate progress with respect to communication skills.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight

Essay topics will be provided in the module handbook.


Teaching and Learning Strategy


Normally one class of up to 2 hours each week for 11 weeks. Classes will include lecture presentation, group discussion, audio and video as well as a samba workshop. There will be a Reading Week during the semester.

Private study 78

Transferable skills

  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives

Subject specific skills



Pre- and Co-requisite Modules

Courses including this module

Optional in courses: