The Australian National University Undergraduate Handbook 1999

Music

R.F Holmes, BA Hons, DipEd Adel.
Senior Lecturer and Head of Department of Literature and Materials of Music

Introduction

Courses in historical and theoretical studies and in Musicology/Ethnomusicology, taught within the Department of Literature and Materials of Music, are available within the Bachelor of Arts and Asian Studies degrees as a major and Honours stream. (Performance subjects are normally only available within the Bachelor of Music degree.) In addition, individual units in World Musics, music in Aboriginal society and Asian cultures may be undertaken as 8 credit point semester length units. These units may be studied from a broadly humanistic perspective rather than through a focus upon musical techniques.

Major in Music

The major in music focuses on the history of Western music, approached from the perspective of intrinsic attributes of musical style, and from consideration of music in its historical, social and cultural context. The first year of study is a foundation course in the language, literature and history of Western music. In later years students may select from units related to specified historical periods or to music in non-Western cultures. Units are offered on a rotational basis; students should check with Head of Department about unit availability.

The major study includes some formal training in the language of music, involving fundamentals of theoretical studies and an emphasis upon analytical skills and score reading. Students should be able to demonstrate a good reading knowledge of music and have the permission of the Head of Department before enrolling.

The major in music will normally consist of Music I, a first and second semester Music II unit and a first and second semester Music III unit. While students have a choice of later-year units to form the major, the theoretical study which comprises 30% of each unit depends upon a sequenced acquisition of knowledge and skills. Therefore students should complete a first semester unit before undertaking a second semester in both second and third years of the major.

Music Units in Program Majors

The semester length units World Musics A and B, Music in Aboriginal Society and Music in Asian Cultures may be undertaken as later year units within the program majors Art and Material Culture and Aboriginal Studies (8 credit points each).

The degree with Honours in Music

Students may take the Arts degree with Honours in Music (Musicology) or in combination with another Honours School with the approval of relevant Heads of Department. See below.

Intending Music students are advised to consult the Department of Literature and Materials of Music to check the availability of individual units in 1999.

Music I MUSM1070

(12cp)

Annual
One history lecture, one history tutorial and one theory class a week

Coordinator: Deborah Crisp

Prerequisites: Written permission of the Head of the Department of Literature and Materials of Music. Students are expected to have a good reading knowledge of music.

Syllabus
(a) Outline of Music History and Method
The subject aims to provide students with a knowledge and historical perspective of the Western musical tradition, through selected topics from Medieval through to contemporary music. As well as introducing the musical literature, techniques and styles of music of different periods, the subject also encompasses various approaches to the study of music, including music within its political and social context, the influence of patronage, the critical tradition and the relationship of music to the other arts, notational and theoretical practices, and principles of performance practice.

(b) Theoretical studies (level 1)
The Outline of Music History and Method is complemented by a weekly tutorial in theoretical studies. This section of the unit deals with the aural and theoretical understanding of the language of music and focuses upon score-reading and analysis of musical works.

Preliminary reading

Grout, DJ and Palisca, C, eds, A History of Western Music, 4th edn, Norton, 1988
Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting:

(a) History ¾ 70%. Three essays or their equivalent, of 1,200-1,500 words each; tutorial assignments and class participation; and one end-of-semester two-hour examination based on the year’s course of study;

(b) Weekly theoretical assignments and an end of year test ¾ 30%.

Music IIa: Music in the Renaissance MUSM2068

(8cp)

First semester
One lecture and two tutorials a week

Prerequisites: Music I

Syllabus
(a) History: Renaissance
An historical survey of Western music from circa 1420 to circa 1610 through the study of representative works and critical writings.

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Preliminary reading

Brown, HM, Music in the Renaissance, Prentice Hall, 1976
Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting.

(a) One major written project, or its equivalent, of 2,500-3,000 words; tutorial assignments as required by the lecturers; end-of-semester two-hour examination based on the course of study and program of required listening ¾ 70%.

(b) Weekly theoretical assignments: students will be monitored throughout the semester. Final assessment will be on the presentation of a folio of short assignments undertaken throughout the semester ¾ 30%.

Music IIb: Music in the Classical Period MUSM2069

(8cp)

First semester
One lecture and two tutorials a week

Lecturer: Deborah Crisp

Prerequisites: Music I

Syllabus
(a) History: Classical
An historical survey of Western music from circa 1760 to circa 1810 through the study of representative works and critical writings;

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Preliminary reading

Rosen, C, The Classical Style, Faber and Faber, 1976
Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting.

(a) One major written project or its equivalent, of 2,500-3,000 words; tutorial assignments as required by the lecturer; end-of-semester two-hour examination based on the course of study and program of required listening ¾ 70%.

Music IIc: Twentieth Century Music to the Second World War MUSM2070

(8cp)

First semester
One lecture and two tutorials a week

Prerequisites: Music I

Syllabus
(a) History: Twentieth Century A
An historical survey of Western music from circa 1900 to circa 1945 through the study of representative works and critical writings;

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Preliminary reading

Griffiths, P, Modern Music: A Concise History from Debussy to Boulez, Thames and Hudson, 1984
Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting.

Music IId: Music, Culture and Society A (Aboriginal) MUSM2083

(8cp)

First semester
One lecture and two tutorials a week

Lecturer: Dr Wild

Prerequisites: Music I

Syllabus
(a) A study of music in Aboriginal society, in both traditional tribal and contemporary contexts. Although this study of music in its social context will examine some technical aspects of Aboriginal music, the course has a broadly humanistic perspective. The study will examine the relationship of music to spiritual beliefs, ceremonies, social structures, dance and art, in music of the Aborigines from Central Australia and Arnhem Land, and will examine issues relating to changing contexts in Aboriginal society;

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Preliminary reading

Ellis, C, Aboriginal Music, Education for Living: Cross Cultural Experiences from South Australia, Uni of Queensland, 1985
Breen, M, ed, Our Place, Our Music, Aboriginal Studies, 1989
Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer.

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting.

(a) One major written project or its equivalent, of 2,500-3,000 words; tutorial assignments as required by the lecturer; end-of-semester two hour examination based on the course of study and program of required listening ¾ 70%.

Music IIe: Baroque and Pre-Classical Music MUSM2084

(8cp)

First semester
One lecture and two tutorials a week

Prerequisites: Music I

Syllabus
(a) History: Baroque and Pre-Classical
An historical survey of Western music from circa 1610 to circa 1760 through the study of representative works and critical writings;

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Preliminary reading

Palisca, C.V, Baroque Music, Prentice Hall, 1968
Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting.

Music IIf: Romantic Music MUSM2085

(8cp)

Second semester
One lecture and two tutorials a week

Lecturer: Deborah Crisp

Prerequisites: Music I

Syllabus
(a) History: Romantic
An historical survey of Western music from circa 1800 to circa 1910 through the study of representative works and critical writings;

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Preliminary reading

Plantinga, L, Romantic Music: A History of Musical Style in 19th century Europe, Norton, 1984
Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting.

Music IIg: Twentieth Century Music Post World War II MUSM2086

(8cp)

Second semester
One lecture and two tutorials a week

Prerequisites: Music I

Syllabus
(a) History: Twentieth Century B
An historical survey of Western music from circa 1945 to the present, through the study of representative works and critical writings;

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Preliminary reading

Griffiths, P, Modern Music: The Avant Garde Since 1945, Dent, 1981
Brindle, R.S, The New Music, OUP, 1984
Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting.

Music IIh: Music, Culture and Society B (Asian) MUSM2087

(8cp)

Second semester
One lecture and two tutorials week

Lecturer: Dr Hall

Prerequisites: Music I

Syllabus
(a) A study of music in selected Asian cultures. Although this study of music in its social context will examine some technical aspects of Asian music, the course has a broadly humanistic perspective. The course will include a systematic, historical and ethnographic survey of principles of ethnomusicology, its prominent writers and their theories. Within a comparative approach to music of different Asian cultures, there will be a focus upon the relationship of music to the religion, dance, literature and rituals of one specific Asian culture;

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Preliminary reading

Malm, W.P, Music of the Pacific, the Near East and Asia, Prentice Hall, 1977
Nettl, B, Twenty Nine Issues and Concepts in Ethnomusicology, University of Illinois Pr, 1983
Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting.

Music IIi: Music, Culture and Society (World Musics A) MUSM2122

(8cp)

First semester
Two one-hour lectures and one tutorial each week.

Prerequisites: Music I.

Lecturers: Dr Lawrence, Dr Wild, Dr Hall, Gary France

Syllabus
(a) A study of music of different world traditions, in both their traditional and contemporary contexts, and an exploration of the fusion of world musics as currently used in contemporary music. This unit aims to introduce students to musical ideas and ideas about music as practised in various cultures. It includes the study of classical, folk and popular musics, classification and use of musical instruments, music in a variety of performance contexts, functions of music in various social contexts, and relationships between music and other arts. This first semester unit includes a theoretical introduction to the principles and practices of the anthropology of music. Different traditions are studied, in modules, through selected repertoire from a wide variety of cultures, including Australian indigenous musics, African/American musics, Eastern Medi- terranean and Asian and Pacific cultures. Students also participate in a weekly workshop which develops their inter-cultural understanding through the experience of playing and singing music from oral cultures.

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Proposed assessment

(a) One major written assignment, tutorial presentation, and an end of semester examination, involving written and listening tasks ¾ 70%.

Preliminary reading

Blacking, John, How Musical is Man? Seattle and London, University of Washington Press 1973.
May, Elizabeth, ed,. Musics of Many Cultures: An Introduction, Berkeley, Los Angeles, London: University of California Press 1980.
Myers, Helen, ed, Ethnomusicology: An Introduction. The New Grove Handbooks in Music. London, Macmillan 1992.

Music IIj: Music, Culture and Society (World Musics B) MUSM2123

(8cp)

Second semester
Two one-hour lectures and one tutorial each week

Prerequisites: Music I

Lecturers: Dr Lawrence, Dr Wild, Dr Hall, Gary France

Syllabus
(a) A further study of music of different world traditions, in both their traditional and contemporary contexts, and a further exploration of the fusion of world musics as currently used in contemporary music. This unit explores musical ideas, styles and techniques as well as ideas about music as practised in various cultures. The second semester unit focuses on developing understanding through a more detailed analysis of the structures and styles of music of different traditional and contemporary musics, including such aspects as the fundamentals of linear and polyphonic music, rhythmic organisation, vocal and instrumental styles, relevant scales and modes, ornamentation, performance styles. It also considers ethical and musical dimensions of cultural preservation, transformation and fusion. The literature of different traditions is studied, in modules, through selected repertoire from a wide variety of cultures, including Australian indigenous musics, African/American musics, Eastern Medi- terranean and Asian and Pacific cultures. Students also participate in a weekly workshop which develops their inter-cultural understanding through the experience of playing and singing music from oral cultures.

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Proposed assessment

(a) One major written assignment, tutorial presentation, and an end of semester examination, involving written and listening tasks 70%.

Preliminary reading

Kartomi, Margaret, On Concepts and Classifications of Musical Instruments, Chicago: University of Chicago, 1990.
Nettl, Bruno, The Study of Ethnomusicology. Twenty-nine Issues and Concepts, Urbana and Chicago, University of Illinois, 1983.
Shelemay, Kay, ed, Ethnomusicology: History, Definitions, and Scope, New York and London, Garland 1992.

Music IIIa: Music in the Renaissance MUSM3072

(8cp)

First semester
One lecture and two tutorials a week

Prerequisites: A first and second semester Music II unit

Syllabus
(a) History: Renaissance
An historical survey of Western music from circa 1420 to circa 1610 through the study of representative works and critical writings;

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Preliminary reading

Brown, HM, Music in the Renaissance, Prentice Hall, 1976
Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer

Proposed assessment As below, or as agreed at the first meeting.

Music IIIb: Music in the Classical Period MUSM3073

(8cp)

First semester

Lecturer: Deborah Crisp

One lecture and two tutorials a week

Prerequisites: A first and second semester Music II unit

Syllabus
(a) History: Classical
An historical survey of Western music from circa 1760 to circa 1810 through the study of representative works and critical writings;

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Preliminary reading

Rosen, C, The Classical Style, Faber and Faber, 1976
Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting.

Music IIIc: Twentieth Century Music to the Second World War MUSM3074

(8cp)

First semester
One lecture and two tutorials a week

Prerequisites: A first and second semester Music II unit

Syllabus
(a) History: Twentieth Century A
An historical survey of Western music from circa 1900 to circa 1945 through the study of representative works and critical writings;

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Preliminary reading

Griffiths, P, Modern Music: A Concise History from Debussy to Boulez, Thames and Hudson, 1984
Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting.

Music IIId: Music, Culture and Society A (Aboriginal) MUSM3075

(8cp)

First semester
One lecture and two tutorials a week

Lecturer: Dr Wild

Prerequisites: A first and second semester Music II unit

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Preliminary reading

Ellis, C, Aboriginal Music, Education for Living: Cross Cultural Experiences from South Australia, Uni of Queensland, 1985
Breen, M, ed, Our Place, Our Music, Aboriginal Studies, 1989

Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting.

Music IIIe: Baroque and Pre-Classical Music MUSM3076

(8cp)

First semester
One lecture and two tutorials a week

Prerequisites: A first and second semester Music II unit

Syllabus
(a) History: Baroque and Pre-Classical
An historical survey of Western music from circa 1610 to circa 1760 through the study of representative works and critical writings;

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Preliminary reading

Palisca, CV, Baroque Music, Prentice Hall, 1968
Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting.

Music IIIf: Romantic Music MUSM3077

(8cp)

Second semester
One lecture and two tutorials a week

Lecturer: Deborah Crisp

Prerequisites: A first and second semester Music II unit

Syllabus
(a) History: Romantic
An historical survey of Western music from circa 1800 to circa 1910 through the study of representative works and critical writings;

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Preliminary reading

Plantinga, L, Romantic Music: A History of Musical Style in 19th century Europe, Norton, 1984
Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting.

Music IIIg: Twentieth Century Music Post World War II MUSM3078

(8cp)

Second semester
One lecture and two tutorials a week

Prerequisites: A first and second semester Music II unit

Syllabus
(a) History: Twentieth Century B
An historical survey of Western music from circa 1945 to the present, through the study of representative works and critical writings;

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Preliminary reading

Griffiths, P, Modern Music: the avant garde since 1945, Dent, 1981
Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting.

(a) One major written project or its equivalent, of 2,500-3,000 words, tutorial assignments as required by the lecturer; end-of-semester two-hour examination based on the course of study and program of required listening ¾ 70%.

Music IIIh: Music, Culture and Society B (Asian) MUSM3079

(8cp)

Second semester
One lecture and two tutorials week

Lecturer: Dr Hall

Prerequisites: A first and second semester Music II unit

In addition to the above material specifically related to Non Western music, the following seminar in the language of music is required.

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Preliminary reading

Malm, WP, Music of the Pacific, the Near East and Asia, Prentice Hall, 1977
Nettl, B, Twenty Nine Issues and Concepts in Ethnomusicology, University of Illinois, 1983
Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting.

Music IIIi: Music, Culture and Society (World Musics A) MUSM3110

(8cp)

First semester
Two one-hour lectures and one tutorial each week.

Prerequisites: A first and second semester Music II unit.

Lecturers: Dr Lawrence, Dr Wild, Dr Hall, Gary France

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Proposed assessment
(a) One major written assignment, tutorial presentation, and an end of semester examination, involving written and listening tasks ¾ 70%.

Preliminary reading

Blacking, John, How Musical is Man? Seattle and London, University of Washington,1973.
May, Elizabeth, ed, Musics of Many Cultures: An Introduction, Berkeley, Los Angeles, London: University of California 1980.
Myers, Helen, ed,. Ethnomusicology: An Introduction, The New Grove Handbooks in Music. London: Macmillan, 1992.

Music IIIj: Music, Culture and Society (World Musics B) MUSM3111

(8cp)

Second semester
Two one-hour lectures and one tutorial each week.

Prerequisites: A first and second semester Music II unit.

Lecturers: Dr Lawrence, Dr Wild, Dr Hall, Gary France

(b) Theoretical studies: continuing aural and theoretical study of the language of music, including analysis of musical works.

Proposed assessment
(a) One major written assignment, tutorial presentation, and an end of semester examination, involving written and listening tasks ¾ 70%.

Preliminary reading

Kartomi, Margaret, On Concepts and Classifications of Musical Instruments, Chicago: University of Chicago, 1990.
Nettl, Bruno, The Study of Ethnomusicology. Twenty-nine Issues and Concepts, Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois,1983.
Shelemay, Kay, ed, Ethnomusicology: History, Definitions, and Scope, New York and London: Garland, 1992.

World Musics A MUSM0069

(8cp)

First semester
One lecture, one tutorial and one workshop each week.

Prerequisites: Introduction to World Musics A or units to the value of 12 credit points in the Faculty of Arts or Asian Studies, with the permission of the Head of Department.

Note: Students are not required to have a reading knowledge of music but are expected to have a demonstrated interest in music and a willingness to participate in a workshop situation with other music students.

This unit is linked to the units Music in Aboriginal Society (MUSM2088), and Music in Asian Cultures (MUSM2089), which will be offered in alternate years. Students wishing to include these units in relevant program majors should discuss this with the appropriate convenor.

Lecturers: Dr Lawrence, Dr Wild, Dr Hall, Gary France

Syllabus:
A study of music of different world traditions, in both their traditional and contemporary contexts, and an exploration of the fusion of world musics as currently used in contemporary music. This unit aims to introduce students to musical ideas and ideas about music as practised in various cultures. It includes the study of classical, folk and popular musics, classification and use of musical instruments, music in a variety of performance contexts, functions of music in various social contexts, and relationships between music and other arts. This first semester unit includes a theoretical introduction to the principles and practices of the anthropology of music. Different traditions are studied, in modules, through selected repertoire from a wide variety of cultures, including Australian indigenous musics, African/American musics, Eastern Medi- terranean and Asian and Pacific cultures. Students also participate in a weekly workshop which develops their inter-cultural understanding through the experience of playing and singing music from oral cultures.

Proposed assessment
One major written assignment, tutorial presentation, and an end of semester examination, involving written and listening tasks ¾ 70%.

Preliminary reading

Blacking, John, How Musical is Man? Seattle and London, University of Washington,1973.
May, Elizabeth, ed, Musics of Many Cultures: An Introduction, Berkeley, Los Angeles, London: University of California 1980.
Myers, Helen, ed,. Ethnomusicology: An Introduction, The New Grove Handbooks in Music. London: Macmillan, 1992.

World Musics B MUSM0070

(8cp)

Second semester
One lecture, one tutorial and one workshop each week

Prerequisites: Introduction to World Musics A or units to the value of 12 credit points in the Faculty of Arts or Asian Studies, with the permission of the Head of Department.

Lecturers: Dr Lawrence, Dr Wild, Dr Hall, Gary France

Syllabus:
A further study of music of different world traditions, in both their traditional and contemporary contexts, and a further exploration of the fusion of world musics as currently used in contemporary music. This unit explores musical ideas, styles and techniques as well as ideas about music as practised in various cultures. The second semester unit focuses on developing understanding through a more detailed analysis of the structures and styles of music of different traditional and contemporary musics, including such aspects as the fundamentals of linear and polyphonic music, rhythmic organisation, vocal and instrumental styles, relevant scales and modes, ornamentation, performance styles. It also considers ethical and musical dimensions of cultural preservation, transformation and fusion. The literature of different traditions is studied, in modules, through selected repertoire from a wide variety of cultures, including Australian indigenous musics, African/ American musics, Eastern Medi- terranean and Asian and Pacific cultures. Students also participate in a weekly workshop which develops their inter-cultural understanding through the experience of playing and singing music from oral cultures.

Proposed assessment
One major written assignment, tutorial presentation, and an end of semester examination, involving written and listening tasks ¾ 70%.

Preliminary reading

Kartomi, Margaret, On Concepts and Classifications of Musical Instruments, Chicago: University of Chicago, 1990.
Nettl, Bruno, The Study of Ethnomusicology. Twenty-nine Issues and Concepts, Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois,1983.
Shelemay, Kay, ed, Ethnomusicology: History, Definitions, and Scope, New York and London: Garland, 1992.

Music in Aboriginal Society MUSM2088

(8cp)

First semester
One lecture, one tutorial, one seminar (or its equivalent) a week

Lecturer: Dr Wild

Prerequisites: Units to the value of 12 credit points in the Faculty of Arts or Asian Studies

Syllabus: A study of music in Aboriginal society, in both traditional tribal and contemporary contexts. Although this study of music in its social context will examine some technical aspects of Aboriginal music, the course has a broadly humanistic perspective and may be studied without musical prerequisites. The study will examine the relationship of music to spiritual beliefs, ceremonies, social structures, dance and art, in music of the Aborigines from Central Australia and Arnhem Land, and will examine issues relating to changing contexts in Aboriginal society.

Preliminary reading

Ellis, C, Aboriginal Music, Education for Living: Cross Cultural Experiences from South Australia, Uni of Queensland, 1985
Breen, M, ed, Our Place, Our Music, Aboriginal Studies, 1989
Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting. One major written project or its equivalent, of 2,500-3,000 words; tutorial assignments as required by the lecturer; and an end-of-semester two-hour examination based on the course of study and program of required listening.

Music in Asian Cultures MUSM2089

(8cp)

Second semester
One lecture, one tutorial, one seminar (or its equivalent) a week

Lecturer: Dr Hall

Prerequisites: Units to the value of 12 credit points in the Faculty of Arts or Asian Studies

Syllabus: A study of music in selected Asian cultures. Although this study of music in its social context will examine some technical aspects of Asian music, the course has a broadly humanistic perspective and may be studied without musical prerequisites. The course will include a systematic, historical and ethnographic survey of principles of ethnomusicology, its prominent writers and their theories. Within a comparative approach to music of different Asian cultures, there will be a focus upon the relationship of music to the religion, dance, literature and rituals of one specific Asian culture.

Preliminary reading

Malm, WP, Music of the Pacific, the Near East and Asia, Prentice Hall, 1977
Nettl, B, Twenty Nine Issues and Concepts in Ethnomusicology, University of Illinois, 1983
Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting. One major written project or its equivalent, at 2,500-3,000 words; tutorial assignments as required by the lecturer; and an end-of-semester two-hour examination, based on the course of study and program of required listening.

Musicology IIa: Musicology Seminar MUSM2101

(8cp)

Year long
One two-hour seminar weekly

Lecturer: Robyn Holmes

Prerequisites: Music I at a credit average, and the written permission of the Head of the Department.

Syllabus: Two-hour weekly seminar on theory and method in Musicology, including ethnomusicology. The seminar provides a forum for critical discussion of the materials, methods and disciplines of musical research and scholarship. As well as investigating the range of conceptual approaches to musical study, the seminar includes an introduction to the principles of editing and transcription, to the history of music theory, and an introduction to primary source materials for musical study.

Preliminary reading

Kerman, J, Musicology, Fontana, 1985
Nettl, B, Twenty Nine Issues and Concepts in Ethnomusicology, University of Illinois Pr, 1983
Required and recommended reading and listening as directed by the lecturer

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting. Four seminar papers, approximately 1500 words each (60%) and an end-of-year major project (40%).

Musicology IIb: Introduction to Research Techniques MUSM2102

(8cp)

Year long
Two-hour seminar weekly

Lecturer: Robyn Holmes

Prerequisites: Music I at a credit average, and the written permission of the Head of the Department.

Syllabus
(a) Introduction to Bibliographic and Research Techniques. A one semester unit (2 hour weekly class) introducing students to music reference and library research materials and indexing techniques;

(b) Elective studies: One non-performance elective additional to Music II and Music III units (semester- length, 2 hour weekly class to be taken in the alternative semester to Bibliographic and Research Techniques), selected in consultation with the Head of Department. This may be an additional history related unit not undertaken elsewhere in the course:

Renaissance
Baroque and Pre-Classical
Classical
Romantic
Twentieth Century to the Second World War
Twentieth Century Post World War II
Music, Culture and Society A
Music, Culture and Society B
World Musics A
World Musics B

or may be chosen from the elective program as offered:
Australian Music Studies
Historical Perspectives of Performance
Physics and Psychophysics of Music
Reading German

Preliminary reading

Watanabe, R, Introduction to Music Research, Prentice Hall, 1967
Duckles, V, Music Reference and Research Materials: an Annotated Bibliography, 4th edn, Free Press, 1988
Texts as recommended for elective units (see Music II, Music III units)

Proposed assessment: The presentation of worksheets and major bibliographic assignment; tutorial assessment, essay and exam as specified within the elective. Students are expected to present work in the elective at a level commensurate with designated Honours units.

Musicology IIIa: Musicology Seminar MUSM3101

(8cp)

Year long
One two-hour seminar weekly

Prerequisites: Musicology IIa

Syllabus: Two-hour weekly seminar on theory and method in Musicology, including ethnomusicology. The seminar provides a forum for critical discussion of the materials, methods and disciplines of musical research and scholarship. As well as investigating the range of conceptual approaches to musical study, the seminar includes an introduction to the principles of editing and transcription, to the history of music theory, and an introduction to primary source materials for musical study.

Preliminary reading

Kerman, J, Musicology, Fontana, 1985
Nettl, B, Twenty Nine Issues and Concepts in Ethnomusicology, University of Illinois, 1983

Proposed assessment: As below, or as agreed at the first meeting. Four seminar papers, approximately 1500 words each (60%) and an end-of-year major project (40%).

Musicology IIIb: Topics in Advanced Musicology MUSM3102

(8cp)

Year long
Two-hour seminar weekly

Prerequisites: Musicology IIb

Syllabus: Elective studies:

Two non-performance electives additional to Music II and Music III units, selected in consultation with the Head of Department. This may be an additional history related unit not undertaken elsewhere in the course. Selected units are offered on a rotational basis; students should check with Head of Department about unit availability.

or may be chosen from the elective program as offered:
Australian Music Studies
Historical Perspectives of Performance
Physics and Psychophysics of Music
Reading German

Preliminary reading

Texts as recommended for elective units (see Music II, Music III units).

Proposed assessment: Tutorial assessment, essays and end-of-semester exams as specified within each elective. Students are expected to present work in the elective at a level commensurate with designated Honours units.

Honours School in Music

Coordinator: Robyn Holmes

Intending Honours students should first read the general statement The degree with Honours in the introductory section of the Faculty of Arts entry.

The course for the degree with Honours in the Honours School of Music extends over four years.

In the first three years it comprises units to the value of 144 credit points, of which at least 76 credit points must be in music. The non-music units must include the completion of another Major from outside the Honours school (44 credit points). The music units will normally consist of ¾

Music I
Music II: a choice of a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j
Music III: a choice of a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j
Musicology IIa: Musicology Seminar
Musicology IIb: Introduction to Music Research
Musicology IIIa: Musicology Seminar
Musicology IIIb: Topics in Advanced Musicology

In special circumstances this course structure may be modified with the approval of the Head of Department.

Admission to Honours

Students will normally enter the Honours School in Music at the beginning of the second year. Students wishing to enter the Honours stream should attain at least a credit in Music I. Intending Honours students in music should consult the Head of the Department of Literature and Materials of Music about their proposed subjects at an early stage. The Head of Department will supervise the overall study programs of Honours students. In certain circumstances, the Head of Department may admit a student to the Honours School at any time before the fourth year, in which case evidence of satisfactory work at Honours level will be required.

It is expected that students enrolling in the Honours course will possess a reading knowledge in at least one language other than English. In some circumstances, with the permission of the Faculty, the study of a foreign language may be undertaken concurrently with the remaining Honours units if deemed appropriate.

Combined Honours

It is possible to combine Honours in Musicology with other Honours Schools in the Faculty of Arts and may be arranged through the relevant Heads of Department. To be admitted to combined Honours, students should normally have completed 60 credit points in music with at least a credit average. Interested students should consult the Heads of both Departments regarding obligatory course work and a combined thesis topic.

Musicology IV (Honours)

To be admitted to Musicology IV (Honours) the student should normally have completed 76 points in music with at least a credit average, and students must have completed an additional Arts Departmental Major.

The course of study will normally involve:
4 units of course work (60%):

(a) Weekly attendance at the Advanced Musicology Seminar and presentation of two seminar papers or their equivalent on topics chosen within the seminar program. One of these units should be a field work/archival project on Australian music, to be undertaken on collections from the National Library of Australia, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, or the National Film and Sound Archives. In the event of exceptional admission to the course, attendance at other levels of the musicology seminar may be required.

(b) One semester length elective unit from the elective program assessed by Honours level seminar paper or equivalent. This unit must be a non-performance elective and must not have been previously undertaken in the degree. This elective may be replaced by a unit in a discipline other than Music, where it is deemed appropriate for the purposes of interdisciplinary study.

Honours thesis: approximately 12,000 words or its equivalent, on a topic approved by the Head of Department (40%)