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Unit outline_

MUSC2695: Popular Music Theory

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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 Aidan Rosa, aidan.rosa@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Aidan Rosa, aidan.rosa@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Jerome Blaze, jerome.blaze@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Mid-semester aural quiz
Online aural quiz via Auralia software
15% Mid-semester break
Due date: 14 Apr 2023 at 01:49
ca 1 hour of work
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4 LO3
Assignment Weekly auralia tests
10 weekly aural quizzes via Auralia software, commences week 3 onward
15% Multiple weeks ca 15 minutes (each)
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment Assignment 1 - Notation, chord progressions, and vocal harmony
Scaffolded assessment tasks involving score based and audio submissions
25% Progressive
Due date: 16 Apr 2023 at 23:59
ca 2 hours of work
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Assignment 2 - Composition, arrangement and analysis
Scaffolded assessment tasks involving score based and audio submissions
25% Progressive
Due date: 04 Jun 2023 at 23:59
ca 800 words + 1 hour of score analysis
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Final aural quiz
Online aural quiz via Auralia software
20% STUVAC
Due date: 02 Jun 2023 at 01:48
ca 1 hour of work
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4 LO3

Assessment summary

  • Weekly written tasks: ten written tasks involving music notation based on content covered in the written tutorials.
  • Assignment 1 – Notation, chord progressions, and vocal harmony​​​: three assessment tasks, involving both written music and audio recordings, scaffolded from weeks 6–8.
  • Assignment 2 – Composition and analysis: one composition or arrangement submitted as both score and audio and a prerecorded presentation, scaffolded from weeks 10–13.
  • Mid-semester aural quiz (eLearning online): online quiz that examines all topics covered during aural tutorials and weekly auralia tests (WATs) upto week 8.
  • Weekly auralia Tests (eLearning online): ten ongoing tests to be completed using the Auralia software available for purchase, which will then be accessible via Canvas or via your desktop.
  • Final aural quiz (eLearning online): Online quiz that examines all topics covered during aural tutorials and weekly auralia tests (WATs) 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.

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:

As per the University’s Assessment Procedures 2011 policy, Clause 7A, http://sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2012/267&RendNum=0: (1) It is expected that unless an application for Special Consideration has been approved, students will submit all assessment for a unit of study on the due date specified, by 11.59pm. If the assessment is completed or submitted within the period of extension, no academic penalty will be applied to that piece of assessment. (2) If an extension is either not sought, not granted or is granted but work is submitted after the extended due date, the late submission of assessment will result in an academic penalty as follows: A penalty of 5% of the maximum mark will be applied per calendar day the assessment is late. After 10 calendar days, mark of zero is given for that assessment.

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 Online class (1 hr) LO1
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Notation and note reading in popular music Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Rhythmic patterns: essential drum tracks Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Rhythmic patterns: complex drum tracks Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Chord progressions: from one to four chord songs Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Chord progressions: substitution and chromatic chords Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Voicing and voice leading in instrumental and vocal harmony Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Hooks, riffs, and repetition Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO5
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Form and structure in popular music: common forms and variations Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Form and structure in popular music: concept albums Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO5
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Covers, arrangement, and adaptation Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO5
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Textural and timbral manipulation Online class (1 hr) LO5
1. Written tutorial 2. Aural tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 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.

Changes to learning activities (new content from new UoS coordinator). Changes to assessments, including more specific details regarding progressive assignments and their deadlines and weighting. Updated staff.

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.