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Unit outline_

PERF2605: Chinese Music Ensemble 2

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Sydney

In this unit students continue their previous study of one Chinese instrument in both small group and ensemble settings. They are encouraged to build on technical capacity developed in their first semester's study, and to perform a wider range of pieces. They will also engage with a range of recordings and live performances of Chinese music to further develop their understandings of traditional and contemporary Chinese music, and of how Chinese musical instruments have featured in a variety of musical contexts.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
PERF2604
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Lu Liu, lu.liu@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Lu Liu, lu.liu@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Nicholas Ng, nicholas.ng@sydney.edu.au
Lei Hu, l.hu@sydney.edu.au
Li Chloe Chung, chloe.chung@sydney.edu.au
wenrui Zhao, wenrui.zhao@sydney.edu.au
Ousiyu Luo, ousiyu.luo@sydney.edu.au
Ziyan Fan, ziyan.fan@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Participation Group presentation
Small group presentation and powerpoint upload (details in Canvas)
20% Multiple weeks
Closing date: 01 Nov 2023
10 -15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO5 LO4 LO3
Creative assessment / demonstration Study of and ensemble performance on a traditional Chinese instrument
Progress in learning one traditional Chinese instrument
50% Ongoing N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Creative assessment / demonstration Practical examination
Students attend a short individual practical examination.
30% Week 13
Due date: 01 Nov 2023 at 16:00
5-10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Assessment summary

Study of and ensemble performance on a traditional Chinese instrument (50%): Students are assessed on their continued progress in learning one chosen traditional Chinese instrument as demonstrated during the entire period of the Unit of Study, and will also be assessed on their participation in all scheduled ensemble rehearsals during the semester and the recording session at the end of semester. Participation in the recording session is compulsory and a hurdle requirement for passing the unit (alternative arrangements will be made for students outside Sydney).

Practical online examination (30%): Students will upload a short video recording of their individual practical examination work. Detailed instructions will be provided in class and on Canvas. The recording will include (1) an example of technical work; (2) sections of pieces studied during the semester; and (3) a short spoken presentation demonstrating an understanding of the content of this unit (details to be provided in class). 

Group presentation (20%): Small group presentation on one of the pieces in the repertoire during the semester. Students will be assigned their groups in week 1. They will work together to select a suitable piece from those rehearsed in their small ensemble during the semester. They will research the piece’s title, genre, history and key aesthetic features, and prepare a short class presentation (7-10 minutes) on their allocated piece. As part of the class presentation, each group is expected to find 2 or 3 different recordings that they play to and discuss with the class during their presentation (if possible, include links to the recordings in the powerpoint presentation). Following each group’s presentation, students have one week to upload the powerpoint to Canvas, with all their main points listed in the notes section. They will be assessed on the presentation content, presentation delivery, and submitted powerpoint. Referencing is not required, but students are encouraged to list the key sources used in preparing their presentation.

Assessment criteria

Oral presentations will be assessed against the following criteria:

 

           Content

  • Shows evidence of broad research, taking into account a variety of sources
  • Clear argument, supported by relevant reasons and evidence
  • Shows evidence of critical thinking about the topic, including:
    • Considers alternative views
    • Where appropriate, questions assumptions implicit in the literature
    • Draws meaningful connections between facts and / or concepts
    • Uses terminology accurately and appropriately

Presentation

  • Is clearly expressed
  • Is interesting and engages other students
  • Makes appropriate use of examples and presentation methods relevant to the material presented (e.g. presentation software, handouts, recordings where relevant)
  • Covers the topic effectively in the available time

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Fail: (Below 50%) Work not of an acceptable standard.

Unsatisfactory technical achievement and/or unsatisfactory level of musical and artistic engagement. Limitations may be of such a scale and consistency as to call into question the student's future direction in the program.

Pass: (50%-64%) Work of acceptable standard.

Satisfactory level of preparation and musical engagement. Some inconsistencies in musicianship, style and/or technique. Musical imagination and overall performance sense developing though some insecurity in this area.

Credit: (65%-74%) Highly competent work demonstrating potential for higher study.

Confident technique with evidence of solid musicality and some stylistic achievement. Occasional lapses are indicative of unresolved technical, artistic and/or stylistic issues. Projects potential for further development.

Distinction: (75%-84%) Work of superior standard.

Excellent technical, musical and stylistic achievement. Consistently coherent and expressive performance. Some personal interpretation of the work suggests soloist potential.

High Distinction: (85%-100%) Work of exceptional standard.

Comprehensive and outstanding technical control and musical integrity in relation to developmental expectations. Musical individuality is consistently projected to create a persuasive personal representation of the work. Performance flair is indicative of soloist standard. A mark of 95 or above indicates extraordinary technical virtuosity and musical artistry.

 

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 group lesson or one-to-one on your chosen instrument One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Seminar #1: 1. Introduction to the course; 2. Discussion of tasks of each group for the class presentations in week 6, 8 and 12; 3. The meaning and history of guoyue (discussion of set reading Lau 2008, pp. 30-40). Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
group lesson or one-to-one on your chosen instrument One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 group lesson or one-to-one on your chosen instrument One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Seminar #2: 1. Discussion of set reading on regional musics of China (Lau 2008, chapter 3), session 1. 2. Q&A on group presentations. Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
group lesson or one-to-one on your chosen instrument One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 group lesson or one-to-one on your chosen instrument One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Ensemble rehearsal (see Canvas for details) Rehearsal (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Seminar #3: 1. Discussion of reading on regional musics of China, session 2. Group presentations (assessed in class) Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
group lesson or one-to-one on your chosen instrument One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Ensemble rehearsal (see Canvas for details) Rehearsal (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 group lesson or one-to-one on your chosen instrument One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Ensemble rehearsal (see Canvas for details) Rehearsal (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Seminar #4: Group presentations (assessed in class) Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
group lesson or one-to-one on your chosen instrument One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Ensemble rehearsal (see Canvas for details) Rehearsal (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 group lesson or one-to-one on your chosen instrument One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Ensemble rehearsal (see Canvas for details) Rehearsal (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Ensemble rehearsal (see Canvas for details) Rehearsal (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 group lesson or one-to-one on your chosen instrument One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Ensemble rehearsal (see Canvas for details) Rehearsal (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Concert (see Canvas for details) Performance (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 group lesson or one-to-one on your chosen instrument One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Seminar #5 1. Group presentations (assessed in class); 2. Practical exam Q&A and tips. Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 13 Seminar #6 Practical examination (assessed) Performance (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

All students must attend rehearsals for the final concert and participate in the practical exam to pass the unit. 

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

Set text: Music in China: Experiencing Music, Expressing Culture by Frederick Lau (Oxford & New York: Oxford University Press, 2008).

Week 1: pp. 30-40

Weeks 3 and 5: Chapter 3

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 improved musical performance skills in Chinese instrumental music
  • LO2. demonstrate greater knowledge of the regional diversity of Chinese music, and particularly instrumental music of the Han majority
  • LO3. demonstrate enhanced awareness of musical diversity
  • LO4. demonstrate and articulate additional experience and skills in understanding selected Chinese instrumental works and their interpretation
  • LO5. prepare for and perform in a high-quality recording of several Chinese instrumental pieces as a member of one small ensemble

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.

The date and learning content have been updated. The basic components, unit focus and the assessments are unchanged. Seminar in week 13 (Practical exam) will conduct in person.

More information can be found on Canvas.

Work, health and safety

https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/health-wellbeing.html#contacts

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.