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Unit outline_

MUSC2693: Fundamentals of Music 3

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Through an integrated and research-based approach to music composition and analysis, student's knowledge of music theory and compositional techniques is extended. Skills in this area cover a range of musical styles including classical music (past and present), jazz, popular music and film music. The Written tutorials build on the topics covered in the lectures. The Aural tutorials develop the students ability to listen musically and critically.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
MUSC1504
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Aidan Rosa, aidan.rosa@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Aidan Rosa, aidan.rosa@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Margaret Muller, margaret.muller@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small continuous assessment Weekly Auralia tests
Weekly aural quizzes via Auralia software
10% Multiple weeks ca 15 minutes each
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Composing with modes
Two online quizzes and a composition task
15% Progressive
Due date: 01 Sep 2023 at 23:59
32 bars of composition
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Harmonisation and chordal analysis
Two online quizzes and one harmonisation task
15% Progressive
Due date: 29 Sep 2023 at 23:59
32 bars of harmonisation and analysis
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment Final assignment
Composition task, and, essay or presentation
20% Progressive
Due date: 10 Nov 2023 at 23:59
3-4 minutes and 800 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment Mid-semester aural quiz
Online aural skills quiz
15% Week 08
Due date: 29 Sep 2023 at 23:59
ca 1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Participation group assignment The Con Sings!
Choral workshop led by choir director Elizabeth Scott
5% Week 10 1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4
Assignment Final aural quiz
Online aural skills quiz
20% Week 13
Due date: 10 Nov 2023 at 23:59
ca 1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

 

  • Composing with modes: students are required to complete two online quizzes and a composition based assignment working with modes, scaffolded from weeks 2–5.
  • Harmonisation and chordal analysis: students are required to complete two online quizzes and a harmonisation task.
  • Final assignment: students are to choose a minimum of two topics covered from weeks 6–12 and write a 3 minute composition in any style demonstrating these topics. This is to be accompanied by either an 800 word written exegesis/analysis of the work or a 5 minute prerecorded presentation. There will be scaffolded opportunities for students to submit draft work prior to the final submission for brief feedback and self-assessment.
  • Auralia tests: ongoing tests to be done using the Auralia software.
  • Mid-semester aural quiz: quiz that covers all aural tutorial materials up to the week of the test.
  • Final aural quiz: final quiz that covers all aural tutorial materials throughout the semester.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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.

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.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Revision of Voice Leading and Triad Structure Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 02 Scales and Modes Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Expanding the Triad: Part 1 (Added-Note Chords and Suspensions) Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Expanding the Triad: Part 2 (7th Chords and Chordal Extensions) Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Expanding the Triad: Part 3 (Altered Chords) Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 The Aesthetics of Repetition Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Setting Text to Music Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Reinventing Musical Meter - Part 1 Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Reinventing Musical Meter - Part 2 Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Choral workshop led by choir director Elizabeth Scott Workshop (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 11 Chord Substitution and Negative Harmony Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12 Navigating Atonality Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 13 Musical Form and Structure Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

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.

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. develop a greater understanding of various approaches to music creation and analysis and apply these across a range of contemporary and classical genres.
  • LO2. develop a foundational understanding of the harmonic, rhythmic, metric and structural functions of classical and contemporary popular music
  • LO3. present score-based music to an adequate standard using computer music notation software and/or handwriting
  • LO4. elevate aural skills to a high standard including rhythm and melodic dictation, sight-singing, conducting and interval/triad recognition and reproduction.

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.

Modified as described

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.