6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
Popular music, namely, music that appeals to large audiences and which is disseminated via mass media, is an increasingly global phenomenon. From rock to reggae, hip-hop to Afro-pop, this unit introduces students to select popular musics from around the world, while also exploring basic research principles of ethnomusicology and popular music scholarship. The unit is open to all students with an interest in music. No prior musical experience required.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:
- Recognise and articulate some of the historical, social and cultural forces that have shaped select popular musics from around the world;
- Critically read scholarly sources by undertaking a guided reading activity;
- Evaluate and analyse scholarly sources pertinent to popular music research;
- Undertake a popular music research project utilising academic research and writing skills.
Assessment
Within semester assessment: 100%
Workload requirements
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.
See also Unit timetable information