Module manager: Bethany Klein
Email: b.klein@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Although this new module is not a direct replacement, COMM2150 Music as Communication was previously available at level 2
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module provides an in-depth examination of the relationship between popular music, culture, and society. It situates the study of popular music within the fields of media, communication, and cultural studies, and explores key historical, political, economic, technological, and cultural factors and developments that have shaped popular music. Key concepts and debates are explored concerning music industries and production; music media and technologies; music texts, genres, and practices; music communities, audiences, and identities; music histories; and international, diasporic, and/or global musics. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
This module aims to teach students about key theoretical approaches and scholarly debates concerning popular music and its role in culture and society. Students will
Learn about the historical, political, economic, technological, and cultural factors that have shaped the production, circulation, and reception of popular music;
Explore the social, cultural, and economic roles of music industries, technologies, texts, and audiences.
Reflect on the role and influence of popular music in everyday life;
Develop independent research skills by applying studies of popular music to topical examples.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Apply key concepts, theories, and arguments regarding popular music, culture, and society to relevant examples;
2. Analyse popular music texts, practices, industries, audiences, or histories, using relevant theories and concepts.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
3. Evaluate information and perspectives about popular music and society from a range of sources; [critical thinking]
4. Compare similarities and differences across different popular music cultures and groups of people. [cultural & diversity awareness]
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class tests, exams and assessment | 1 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1.5 | 15 |
| Seminar | 9 | 1 | 9 |
| Private study hours | 174.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 25.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will be expected to dedicate private study time to: reading assigned journal articles and book chapters in addition to texts found independently (approximately 5 hours per week x 10 weeks = 50 hours total); studying for the in-class multiple choice test, which will examine seminar reading and lecture content (approximately 7 hours per week x 9 weeks of content covered = 63 hours total); and researching and writing an essay that involves critical analysis of popular music and society (approximately 61.5 hours).
Seminar discussion provides the opportunity to clarify concepts and arguments introduced in readings and lectures. You can also receive verbal feedback on essay plans by appointment with module staff.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | essay | 75 |
| In-course MCQ | test | 25 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resits: For the essay, students will revise their first submission, addressing the marker feedback provided. If students did not submit a first attempt, they will follow the assessment instructions provided in the module handbook. For the in-class test, students will be provided with an alternate MCQ.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team