Outline

Overview

This unit allows students to further develop proficiency on one Chinese instrument in both small group and ensemble settings, and to continue to perform with the ensemble. Students are also encouraged to take an increasingly active and independent role in engaging with Chinese music. In particular, they are guided and supported in small group collaborations focussing upon developing, rehearsing, recording and publicly performing a range of works for Chinese instruments. Students are also encouraged to engage more deeply with Chinese music through enhancing their understanding of the various philosophical and ideological principles that have had a significant influence upon key aspects of Chinese music, both in the past and today.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Performance
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	PERF3606
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
	wenrui Zhao, wenrui.zhao@sydney.edu.au
	Ousiyu Luo, ousiyu.luo@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Presentation	Individual presentation Individual presentation and powerpoint upload (details in Canvas)	30%	Multiple weeks	15-20 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Study of and ensemble performance on a traditional Chinese instrument Progress in learning one traditional Chinese instrument	50%	Ongoing	N/A
Outcomes assessed:
Creative assessment / demonstration	Practical examination Students attend a short individual practical examination	20%	Week 13	10-15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:

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, the final concert and the practical examination at the end of semester. The fortnightly small tests conducted by your teacher also contribute to this assessment component. Failure to attend rehearsals and end of year concert will be seen as failure to meet the requirements of the unit of study.

Practical examination (20%): Students attend a short individual practical examination. They should prepare to (1) play a section of any technical work assigned by their teacher during semester; (2) play a section of any piece performed during semester; (3) answer short questions on any topics discussed in group lessons or seminars during semester (details to be provided in class).

Individual presentation (30%): Individual presentation in class based on the topic of one section of Lau 2008, chapter 5. Students will be able to select a section of the chapter after the first seminar in week 3. They will then prepare a short class presentation (15-20 minutes) on their allocated section – detailed guidance will be provided in class. Besides referring to the material covered by Lau, the presentation should draw upon other reliable sources that give more information about the chosen topic, and should also include at least one recording. Students should upload the PowerPoint to Canvas within a week of their presentation, 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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Fail: (Below 50%) Work not of 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 programme.

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 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 suggesting 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 consistently projected to create a persuasive personal representation of the work. Performance flair indicative of soloist standard. A mark of 95 or above indicates extraordinary technical virtuosity and musical artistry.

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

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.

Learning support

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Individual lesson or group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument	One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr)
Week 02	Individual lesson or group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument	One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr)
Week 03	Seminar #1: 1. Brief introduction to the course; 2. Introductory discussion of chapter 5 of the set text; 3. Each student will be asked to select a topic from chapter 5 that will be the basis of their individual class presentation, and students will be allocated a week later in the semester to present.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Individual lesson or group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument	One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr)
Week 04	Individual lesson or group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument	One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr)
Week 05	Seminar #2: 1. Discussion of reading on “Classical Conceptions of Music” (chapter 2, “Classical Conceptions of Music” in van Gulik, R.H. [1940] 2011.The Lore of the Chinese Lute: An Essay on the Ideology of the Ch’in. Bangkok: Orchid Press); 2. Further discussion on the meanings of music in ancient China. 3. Q&A on individual presentations.	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Individual lesson or group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument	One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr)
	Ensemble rehearsal (see Canvas for details)	Rehearsal (1 hr)
Week 06	Individual lesson or group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument	One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr)
Week 06	Ensemble rehearsal (see Canvas for details)	Rehearsal (1 hr)
Week 07	Seminar #3: Individual presentations (assessed in class)	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Individual lesson or group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument	One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr)
	Ensemble rehearsal (see Canvas for details)	Rehearsal (1 hr)
Week 08	Individual lesson or group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument	One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr)
Week 08	Ensemble rehearsal (see Canvas for details)	Rehearsal (1 hr)
Week 09	Seminar #4: Individual presentations (assessed in class)	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Individual lesson or group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument	One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr)
	Ensemble rehearsal (see Canvas for details)	Rehearsal (1 hr)
Week 10	Ensemble rehearsal (see Canvas for details)	Rehearsal (1 hr)
Week 11	Individual lesson or group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument	One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr)
	Ensemble rehearsal (see Canvas for details)	Rehearsal (1 hr)
	Concert	Performance (2 hr)
	Seminar #5: 1. Individual presentations (assessed); 2. Exam recording Q&A and tips.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Individual lesson or group lesson on one traditional Chinese instrument	One-to-one tuition (0.5 hr)
Week 13	Seminar #6: Practical examination (assessed in class)	Performance (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

All students must attend rehearsals for the final concert and participate in the practical examination 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

For weeks 2, 8 and 12:

Lau, Frederick. 2008. Music in China: Experiencing Music, Expressing Culture. Oxford & New York: Oxford University Press. Chapter 5, “Music and Ideology”.

For week 4:

van Gulik, R. H. [1940] 2011. The Lore of the Chinese Lute: An Essay on the Ideology of the Ch’in. Bangkok: Orchid Press. Chapter 2 “Classical Conceptions of Music”.

For week 6:

Ingram, Catherine, Lu Liu & Nicholas Ng. 2020. “Falling Leaves and New Roots: Informed Practice with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s Chinese Music Ensemble.” In Creative Research in Music: Informed Practice, Innovation and Transcendence, edited by Anna Reid, Neal Peres Da Costa and Jeanell Carrigan for ISME Global Perspectives in Music Education Series, 73–81. New York & London: Routledge.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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 musical aesthetics related to Chinese instrumental music
LO3. demonstrate enhanced awareness of musical diversity
LO4. present new understandings of Chinese music and musical ideology drawing on the student's own additional research
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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas.

Work, health and safety

https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/support.html

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PERF3607: Chinese Music Ensemble 4

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect