University of Mauritius 

and 

MAHATMA GANDHI INSTITUTE

Regulations
and
Programme of Studies

B.A (Hons) Performing Arts (Sitar) 
[Review]

 UNIVERSITY OF MAURITIUS

MAHATMA GANDHI INSTITUTE

PART I

General Regulations for B.A (Hons) Performing Arts (Sitar) 

1.	Programme title: B.A (Hons) Performing Arts (Sitar) 

2.	Objectives
a. To equip students with further knowledge and skills in Sitar playing and proficiency in the teaching of the subject.

3.	General Entry Requirements

In accordance with the University General Entry Requirements for admission to undergraduate degree programmes. 

4.	Programme Requirement

A post A-Level MGI Diploma in Performing Arts (Sitar) or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University of Mauritius / MGI

5.	Programme Duration

					Normal		Maximum

Part- time				2 years			4 years

					(4 semesters)		(8 semesters)

6. 	Credit System

6.1	Introduction 

6.1.1	The B.A (Hons) in Performing Arts (Sitar) programme is built up on a 3-year part time Diploma, which accounts for 60 credits
6.1.2	The Programme is structured on the credit system and is run on a semester basis

6.1.3	A semester is of a duration of 15 weeks (excluding examination period)

6.1.4	A credit is a unit of measure, and the Programme is based on the following guidelines:

	15 hours of lectures and / or tutorials: 1 credit (Theory Module)

	5 hours of Applied Theory 		: 1 credit (Practical Module)
20 hours of practical sessions

6.2	Programme Structure

The B.A Programme is made up of a number of modules carrying 3 credits each, except the Dissertation which carries 9 credits

6.3	Minimum Credits Required for the Award of the Degree:

6.3.1	The MGI Diploma already accounts for 60 credits

6.3.2	For the award of the B.A (Hons) (Sitar), the student must obtain at least 108 credits, including the 60 credits already earned at Diploma level

6.4	Distribution of Credits

	Modules					No. of Credits

I.	Diploma						60

II.	Core							36

III.	Dissertation						9

IV.	Electives – GEM (from MGI lists)			3

							___________
                                                  TOTAL                             108  (60 + 48)
							==========

6.5	Credits per semester

Minimum 	- 	18 credits
Maximum	-	48 credits 
(Subject to Regulation 5 above)

7.	MODE OF DELIVERY

	Modules are delivered on a face-to-face basis, unless otherwise specified.

8.	ASSESSMENT

8.1	All modules will carry 100 marks and will be assessed as follows unless otherwise specified:

8.1.1	A two-hour written paper and/or a practical examination carrying 70% of the total marks per module will be set at the end of each semester unless otherwise stated.

8.1.2	Continuous Assessment will be based on practical work and/or assignment and at least one class test.

8.1.3	For a student to pass a module, an overall total of 40% for combined Continuous Assessment (CA) and Written Examination (WE) components would be required, without minimum thresholds within the individual CA and WE components.

8.1.4	Modules PAS1 3110, PAS1 3120, 3130, 3250, 3160, and 3190 will be assessed as follows:-
	
	1. Continuous Assessment			 30%
		(i)	One Short assignment
		(ii)	Two Class tests
	
2. Practical - 	Viva-Voce			70%

8.1.5	Modules PASI 1240 and 3280 will be assessed as follows:-

	1. Continuous Assessment			30%
		(i) 	One Short assignment
		(ii)	Two Class tests
	
2. Written Examination (2 hrs)		70%

8.1.6	Modules PASI 3230 and 3260 will be assessed as follows:-

1. Continuous Assessment			30%
		(i) 	One Short assignment
		(ii)	Two Class tests/exposés
	
2. Practical - 	
(i)Viva-Voce			35%
(ii) Demonstration		35%

8.1.7	Modules PASI 2170 and 2270 will be assessed as follows:-

1. Continuous Assessment		30%
		(i) 	One Short assignment
		(ii)	Two Class tests/exposés
	
2. Project 				             70%

8.1.8     PASI 3000- Dissertation                                 100%
             (with research methodology)
		
9.	Module Weighting

Modules will carry the weightings of 1,3 or 5 depending on their status (introductory, intermediate or advanced).  Weighting for a particular module is indicated within parentheses in the module code.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Students are advised to consult the “General information to students” booklet available at the office of Registrar, University of Mauritius, Réduit, or the Mahatma Gandhi Institute Library for further details.

PART II

Credit Distribution

I.	Diploma (3 years Part-time)

Level I		-	9 + 9		=	18
	
Level II	-	9 + 9		=	18

Level III	-	9 + 9		=	18		=	54 +

Project					=	  6			   6
									____
Total		 60 
     		====

II.	B.A (2 years Part-time) Top up

Level I	-		9 + 12		=	21

Level II	-	 9 +   9		=	18

Dissertation				=	  9		=	48
					       ______	    	        _____
				 Total				=        108
								       =====

PART III

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Module Code	Core Module	Hrs/Wk L+P	Credits 	
PASI 3110  (5)
PASI 3120  (5)
PASI 3130  (5)
PASI 1240  (5)

PASI 3230  (5)
PASI 3250  (5)
PASI 3160  (5)
PASI 2170  (5)
PASI 3190  (5)
PASI 2270  (5)
PASI 3260  (5)
PASI 3280  (5)
PASI 3000  (5)	Swara and Laya in Indian Music
Raga and Tala in Hindustani Music
Forms of Compositions
Music theories and Concepts – A Historical Approach
Ornamentation 
Sitar Techniques
Improvisation I
Compositional Work I 
Raga in Hindustani Music 
Compositional Work II
Improvisation II
Music Pedagogy / Teaching Practice
Dissertation

GEM
	1+4
1+4
1+4
3+0

1+4
1+4
1+4
1+4
1+4
1+4
1+4
2+2	3
3
3
3

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
9
45
3
48	

PART IV

PROGRAMME PLAN

Level 1
Semester I	Hrs/Wk
L + P	Credits 	Semester II	Hrs/Wk
L + P	Credits 	
PASI 3110 (5) Swara and Laya in Indian Music 	
1 + 4	3	PASI 1240 –(5) Music Theories and Concepts – A Historical 
Approach	
3 + 0	3	
PASI 3120 -  (5)
Raga and Tala in Hindustani Music 	
1 + 4	3	PASI 3230 (5)
 Ornamentation 	
1 + 4	3	
PASI 3130 (5)
Forms of Compositions	
1 +4	3	PASI 3250 – (5) Sitar Techniques	
1+ 4	3
	
			GEM
MGI - Elective
	
3 +0	3	

Level II
Semester I	Hrs/Wk
L + P	Credits 	Semester II	Hrs/Wk
L + P	Credits 	
PASI 2170 –(5) Compositional Work I 
	
1 + 4	3	PASI 2270 –(5) Compositional Work II	1 + 4	3	
PASI 3160 - (5)
Improvisation I	
1+ 4	3	PASI 3260– (5)
Improvisation II	1 + 4	3	
PASI 3190 – (5)Raga in Hindustani Music 
	
1 + 4	3	PASI 3280 – (5)
Music Pedagogy / Teaching Practice	 2 + 2	3	
PASI 3000 – Dissertation (with research methodology)	-	-	PASI 3000 – Dissertation	-	9

PART V

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

LEVEL 1

SEMESTER 1

PASI 3110 – Swara and Laya in Indian Music

This module explores the two basic concepts of music, namely Swara (musical notes) and Laya (speed).  It analyses the types, properties and physics of sound.  It also deals with rhythm, speed in music and different categories of speed current in music.
Study of Ragas and notation writing of compositions, salient features of Ragas Basant, Deshkar and Sankara

PASI 3120 – Raga and Tala in Hindustani Music

The focus of this module is on Raga , Tala and Raga Sangeet.  It traces the development of the concept of Raga and deals with the actual rendering of Raga as a melodic structure.  It also deals with rhythmic cycles in music.  Salient features of Ragas Rageshri, Tilang and Marwa.  Notation writing and rendering of compositions, Alap, Jod Alap, Tanas and Jhala in the above mentioned Ragas.

PASI 3130 – Forms of Compositions

This module focuses on the ‘bound’ (nibaddha) aspect of music.  It provides knowledge on some popular forms of compositions used in Hindustani music.  It also deals with the actual rendering of Raga-Sangeet with emphasis on vocal compositions from which instrumentalists derive inspiration to create ‘Gats’ (compositions played on instruments).  Salient features of Ragas Puria, Kedar and Shudha Sarang.  Notation writing and rendering of composition, Alap, Jod Alap and Tanas and Jhala in the above mentioned Ragas.

LEVEL 1

SEMESTER 1I

PASI 1240 – Music theories and concepts – A historical approach

This module provides an indepth study of the important theories of Indian music from a historical perspective with reference to important music treatises.  It also familiarizes students with the origin and development of Indian music.  

PASI 3230 – Ornamentation

This module stresses on a detailed study of ornamentation (gamaka) in Indian music.  It deals with their application in Raga-sangeet.  Salient features of Ragas Malkauns, Bahar and Durbari Kanhara and a light classical or light composition in any Raga – Tala so far studied.  Notation writing and rendering of composition, Alap, Jod Alap, Tanas and Jhala in the above mentioned Ragas.

PASI 3250 - Sitar techniques 

This module aims at providing the necessary knowledge on the technical aspects of Sitar playing.  It will also give knowledge on how different distribution of strings by different schools affect the tonal quality of the instruments.  Salient features of Ragas Puria Dhanashri, Adana and Piloo.

LEVEL II

SEMESTER 1

PASI 3160 – Improvisation I

The main thrust of this module is on the ‘Alap’ type of improvisation.  It provides knowledge of and skills in Alap and Jod Alap.  Salient features of Ragas Puria Kalyan, Chayanat and Komal Rishab Asavari.  Notation writing and rendering of composition, Alap, Jod Alap, Tanas and Jhala in the above mentioned Ragas.

PASI 2170 – Compositional work I

The aim of this module is to develop the creativity of the students in compositional work.  It provides them with opportunities to study the various materials used in music and it will help them to use same systematically for compositional work.  It will also deal with pedagogical principles and practices involved therein.

PASI 3190 – Raga in Hindustani Music

The aim of this module is to analyse Raga-sangeet from the following points of view: ‘angas’, nature of notes and schools (gharanas).  It also provides knowledge and skills in the practical rendering of some ragas.  Salient features of Ragas Maru Bihag, Sohani and Nat Bhairav.  Notation writing and rendering of composition, Alap, Jod Alap, Tanas and Jhala in the above mentioned Ragas.

LEVEL II

SEMESTER 1I

PASI 2270 – Compositional Work II

This module lays emphasis on the practical aspects of compositions in instrumental music.  It further provides knowledge and skills to create different types of compositions in various ragas and talas.  The module also examines the pedagogical principles and practices involved therein. 

PASI 3260 – Improvisation II

This module lays emphasis on the ‘tana’ aspect of improvisation.  It provides knowledge and skills to compose different types of ‘todas/tanas’ like ‘shuddha tana’, ‘kuta tana’, ‘vakra tana’, ‘mishra tana’ etc.  Salient features of Raga Gujri Todi, Raga Ahir Bhairav, Raga Kirvani and a light classical or light composition in any Raga – Tala so far studied.  Notation writing and rendering of composition, Alap, Jod Alap, Tanas and Jhala in the above mentioned Ragas.

PASI 3280 – Music Pedagogy – Teaching Practice

This module analyses some of the principles and techniques used in the teaching of instrumental music.  It deals with factors influencing effective teaching and also the procedures used in the assessment and evaluation of music.

PASI 3000 – Dissertation

The student will be expected to carry out a research work in either the practical or the theoretical aspects of the subject.  The student opting for the theoretical aspect will be expected to submit a dissertation of 8000 to 10 000 words on the topic chosen.  Research on the practical aspect will be decided by the student and the Supervisor.