Module manager: Kwok Wai Ng
Email: k.w.ng@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
EAST3045
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module aims to develop students’ understanding of traditional music and performing arts in East Asia, with a focus on their historical and cultural contexts. It will explore a range of repertoires, including theatrical performances, narrative arts, instrumental music, court and religious music, and festive dances in China, Japan, and Korea. The teaching will examine various phenomenological aspects of the performing arts, such as their sonic design and aesthetic forms, as well as the philosophical and ritual considerations embedded in their performances. This module also highlights key elements of narrating and expressing East Asian culture by exploring the traditional musical and theatrical arts of the region as they have been performed in the 20th and 21st centuries. No prior background in music is required to enrol in this module. 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.
To explore various repertoires of East Asian performing arts and identify their defining features. To develop a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between the performing arts across various East Asian countries. To investigate diverse academic perspectives on the history, sonority, aesthetics and philosophical dimensions of East Asian performing arts. To critically examine and analyse how different elements of East Asian culture are reflected and expressed through performing arts.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Identify the defining characteristics that are either widespread or unique within various repertoires of East Asian performing arts.
2. Demonstrate understanding of the interconnections among the performing arts traditions across East Asian countries.
3. Synthesise materials from a variety of sources to interpret East Asian performing arts through diverse phenomenological perspectives.
4. Critically analyse the performing arts of East Asia in relation to the region’s key cultural attributes.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Develop an informed skillset for interpreting the cultural characteristics of East Asia through the study of its varied performing arts traditions.
6. Demonstrate strong research abilities by identifying, evaluating, and incorporating relevant sources into the assessment.
7. A Reflect and communicate effectively through clear and informative presentations with audio-visual and/or creative materials of East Asian performing arts
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Private study hours | 178 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Progress is tracked through Q&A sessions during lectures and seminars. In seminars, students will also engage in activities such as small-scale presentations using posters or infographics on topics related to the performing arts. These activities provide opportunities for students to receive formative feedback from the instructor(s). To support the summative coursework essay, the seminars will include essay skills development sessions, where students can discuss their ideas and refine their skills. The instructors will also provide feedback on the students’ group presentations, which can help the students develop a topic for their essays.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 70 |
| Coursework | Group Presentation | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 25/04/2025
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