Skip to main content
Unit outline_

MUSC2695: Popular Music Theory

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

The culmination of the Fundamentals of Music series, this unit of study is an exploration of musical language used in contemporary popular, film and world music repertoire from ca. 1960 to the present. The focus is on compositional techniques, analytical tools and workflow that relates to contemporary music practitioners. Lectures will examine the given topic for that week with references to examples drawn from a list of repertoire for that topic. These examples will be discussed further in the written tutorials and supported by weekly homework. An important outcome of this unit of study is the final assignment, in which students apply the knowledge accrued over the semester in an original composition, which they also analyse. Aural Tutorials will draw on these topics to develop skills relating to the student's ability to perceive and interpret musical elements and procedures.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
MUSC1503 or MUSC1504 or MUSC1501 or MUSC2693 or MCGY1009 or JAZZ1621 or JAZZ1019
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Becky Bennison, becky.bennison@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Progressive Assessment
Assigned exercises based on topic. Due Weeks 3, 6, 9, 12.
40% Multiple weeks n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment Written assignment
Written submission
30% STUVAC
Due date: 11 Jun 2021 at 23:59

Closing date: 26 Jun 2021
1000-1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2 LO1
In-semester test (Record+) Type B in-semester exam Mid-Semester Exam
Mid-semester test comprising of Written and Aural content to date.
20% Week 07
Due date: 20 Apr 2021 at 10:00
50 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Tutorial quiz Final Aural test
Tutorial quiz, small test or online task.
10% Week 13
Due date: 01 Jun 2021 at 15:00
45 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Type B in-semester exam = Type B in-semester exam ?

Assessment summary

For more information, see 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 The emerging field of Popular Music Theory - Creating Meaning? Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Week 02 The mechanics of Four chord structures - Unity (repetition) and contrast (..the other elements) Lecture (1 hr)  
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 03 1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr)  
Rhythmic paradigms of Popular Music. From African 5-beat to Hip hop. Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 04 Rhythmic paradigms of Popular Music. From Ragtime to Progressive Rock Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 05 Melodic structures – the ubiquitous pentatonic scale and other devices – focus on Top 40 and singer/songwriter pieces Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 06 Timbral and textural manipulation – The case for Techno-musicality Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 07 No lecture, Mid Semester Exam Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 08 Structure: Sonic Functions and Asaf Peres and the Evolving role of the hook – Riffs, repetition and Ostinato Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 09 Vocality – The case of ‘The Grain’ – Timbre and Affect Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO5
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 10 No lecture or tutes - SPECIAL PROJECTS WEEK Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 11 Beyond the Top 40 – Progressive Rock and Math Metal – pushing rhythm Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO5
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 12 Beyond the Top 40 – Psychedelia to Rock - pushing structure Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO5
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 13 1. Written tutorial. 2. In-Class final aural Exam Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
YouTube theorists – communicating Popular Music Theory to the ‘everyday person’ Lecture (1 hr) LO5

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. Understand differences between traditional music theory and the harmonic language of popular music
  • LO2. Recognise and contextualise the harmonic and rhythmic mechanics of different popular genres/styles
  • LO3. Present and interpret score/chart-based music using traditional notation, chord symbols, and performance markings
  • LO4. Perform rhythm and melody dictation, sight singing, interval and triad recognition, and recognise tonality
  • LO5. Use the elements of music to create a meaningful commentary on popular music

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 is the first time this unit has been offered

More information will be found on Canvas.

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.