Skip to main content
Unit outline_

CMPN1612: New Music, New Thinking

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Sydney

New Music, New Thinking is designed to challenge the way in which students understand the music of our time. Through analyses of recent music and artistic themes, discussion and creative tasks, students will be exposed to a variety of compositional techniques, concepts and aesthetics. The content and assessment of this subject will enable students to further develop critical thinking concerning their future contribution to the world of new music be it in composition, performance, musicology or education.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Composition and Music Technology
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Natalie Williams, natalie.williams@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Major Analysis Essay
Analysis essay on one work (provided), structural analysis, 10 references
40% STUVAC
Due date: 08 Nov 2024 at 23:59
2,500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO4
Online task Early Feedback Task - Canvas quiz
Canvas quiz on unit contents from W1-3 #earlyfeedbacktask
10% Week 03
Due date: 16 Aug 2024 at 23:59
10-15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO3 LO2
Presentation Short tutorial presentation
Present a summary of musical techniques from one chosen work
10% Week 06
Due date: 04 Sep 2024 at 11:00
3mins
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Small Paper and Tutorial Presentation
Analysis paper of one musical work (provided)
10% Week 06
Due date: 06 Sep 2024 at 23:59
1,000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO7 LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment Creative Work [or] Essay
A creative work (1-min) plus 500 word summary [OR] 1,000 analysis essay
20% Week 09
Due date: 27 Sep 2024 at 23:59
1-minute +500 words [OR] 1,000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6 LO7 LO1 LO2 LO3
Attendance Attendance throughout the semester
Class attendance
10% Weekly Semester
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Small Paper and Tutorial Presentation: In groups of 2-3, choose one work each from the repertoire list (weeks 1-6) and analyse. Read one journal article for each work and prepare summary notes for the tutorial. Present your findings both in the group tutorial and also submit a written copy (1,000 words). [10% for presentation 10% for paper]

Creative Work [OR] Analysis Essay (submit one only): 

  • Creative Work: choose one stylistic genre from weeks 1-9 and create your own musical work in this style (maximum 5 performers/tracks and 1-minute duration). Submit a score/recording plus a 500-word written summary of your creative process. [20%]

[OR]

  • Analysis Essay: choose one musical work from weeks 1-9 and submit a written 1,000-word analysis paper. [20%]

Major Analysis Essay: choose one major work from weeks 1-13 and write a 2,500-word analytical essay. At least ten academic sources must be referenced. Include a structural diagram and discussion of compositional techniques. [40%]

Assessment criteria

The following assessment criteria are used for written work in this unit of study:

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Demonstrates high level of initiative in research and reading; sophisticated critical analysis of evidence; high level engagement with theoretical issues, innovative use of reading/research material and impressive command of underlying debates and assumptions; properly documented and written with style, originality and precision.

Distinction

75 - 84

Demonstrates initiative in research and wide, appropriate reading; complex understanding of question and ability to critically review material in relation to underlying assumptions and values; analyses material in relation to empirical and theoretical contexts; properly documented; clear, well-developed structure and argument with some signs of literary style.

Credit

65 - 74

Evidence of broader understanding than pass level; offers synthesis with some critical evaluation of material; coherent argument using a range of relevant evidence; some evidence of independent thought, good referencing. A high credit (70-74) shows some evidence of ability to problematise and think conceptually.

Pass

50 - 64

Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading/research; relevant material; tendency to descriptive summary rather than critical argument; makes a reasonable attempt to avoid paraphrasing; reasonably coherent structure; often has weaknesses in particular areas, especially in terms of narrow or underdeveloped treatment of question; acceptable documentation.

Fail

0 - 49

Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: Unacceptable paraphrasing; irrelevance of content; poor spelling; poor presentation; grammar or structure so sloppy it cannot be understood; failure to demonstrate understanding of content; insufficient or overlong word length.

 and Canvas for further assessment criteria.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties apply as per the Student Handbook.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Historical Forms, Contemporary Language. Foundations of contemporary literature, extensions of harmony and pitch content, classical forms in modern contexts (schemas), neo-romanticism, intertextuality. Example works including: John Cage: Sky Macklay, Ligeti, Caroline Shaw and others. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO7
Week 02 Sound Mass and Texture. Advanced textural design, texture/mass/density, micropolyphony, sound mass, Klangfarbenmelodie, structural texture. Example works including: Penderecki, Schoenberg, Jonny Greenwood and others. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO7
Week 03 Complexity and Totalism. Performative complexity and virtuosity, graphic notation, textural complexity, Totalism. Example works including: GF Haas, Berio, Xenakis, Merzbow and others. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO7
Week 04 Atonality and Serialism. The dissolution of tonality, integral/serialism, pitch class set theory, advanced pitch design, algorithmic composition, process music. Example works including: George Crumb, Boulez, Messiaen, Thom Yorke and others. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO7
Week 05 Aleatoricism and Game Music. Chance elements in composition, aleatoric structures, mobile/polyvalent forms, game music, Ludomusicology, indeterminate music, Stochastic music, improvisation as composition. Example works including: Terry Riley, Lutosławski, John Cage Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO7
Week 06 Minimalism. Minimalist composition; rhythm/meter/pulse, content as form, pitch minimalism, process and phasing. Example works by: Reich, John Adams, Glass and others. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 07 Cross-cultural Contexts. Multicultural influences; cultural appropriation, semiotics, extra-musical composition, polystylism, Topic Theory, folksong. Example works by: Glass, Kevin Volans, and others. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO7
Week 08 Alternate Tuning Systems. Microtonal composition, non-western tuning systems, specialist instruments, timbral design, the Partch instruments, spectralism, just intonation, synthetic scales. Example works including: Penderecki, Greenwood, Partch, and others. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO7
Week 09 Electro-acoustic music. Early computer music, MIDI, tape music, musique concrete, electronics in live performance, IRCAM, the Darmstadt School. Example works including: Laurie Anderson, Subotnik, Cage/Hiller, and others. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 11 Experimentalism and Context works. Conceptual music, symbolic music, system-based music (electronic/feedback/movement-dependent), soundscapes, mixed media, Danger music. Example works including: Lucier, Cage, Ligeti, and others. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO7
Week 12 Music and Social Change. Political themes, music and social influence, political messaging in music, semiotics. Example works including; Rzewski, Andriessen, Shostakovich, and others. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO7
Week 13 Music and the Natural World. Sound Art, sound sculptures, acoustic ecology. Example works by: John Adams, Julia Wolfe, David Lang, and others. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned. The Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90%.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Please see Canvas for prescribed reading list and links.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate critical thinking and inventiveness within the discipline, and develop a wide knowledge of the styles and trends of contemporary music.
  • LO2. develop high-level skills in music analysis and communicate through written and oral presentations.
  • LO3. demonstrate a wide understanding of contemporary styles and trends in music, and contextualise through analysis.
  • LO4. work collaboratively in group settings, communicating shared findings and presenting original critical work.
  • LO5. navigate, assess and apply relevant methodologies to the analysis of contemporary music and research.
  • LO6. apply creative musical skills to generate original works, situated within a canon, presenting an original creative voice.
  • LO7. understand and articulate the role of music in social, cultural and historical contexts, in reference to their own culture and identity.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit of study changed lecturers in Sem 2, 2024 and has been slightly revised. More assignments have been included.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.