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Unit of study_

MUED1004: Non Western Music

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Sydney

Music educators today must be equipped to teach from a perspective that acknowledges the cultural dimensions of music. Contributing to the development of such a perspective, this unit of study provides students with the opportunity to encounter a musical culture and non-familiar music system through direct practical experience, and to consider the implications this presents for teaching and learning. Issues including methodologies of teaching and learning; ethical considerations; and the availability and application of resources are covered in the unit. This is taught through immersion in a single non-western instrumental ensemble (such as Balinese Gamelan). In some years, this unit may be offered as a voluntary option in a field location.

Unit details and rules

Unit code MUED1004
Academic unit Music Education
Credit points 3
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Gary Watson, gary.watson@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Gary Watson, gary.watson@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small test Weekly tests
Written tests with non-written elements
40% Multiple weeks 15 minutes (50-100 words per test)
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO17 LO16 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3
Online task Web-based gamelan transcription of Baris Cycle
Hand-written transcription
20% Week 07 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO15 LO12 LO7 LO4
Skills-based evaluation group assignment Guided group composition task and performance
Composition and performance
20% Week 09 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO8 LO11 LO13 LO14
Small test Listening test based on listening and reading research
Written identification and description of recorded gamelan extracts
20% Week 12 250 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO17 LO16 LO15 LO12 LO10 LO9 LO5 LO4 LO3
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Weekly tests: Four short class tests held in sessions 3-6, based on assigned weekly readings. Each test contains true or false, multiple choice questions and written answers.
  • Web-based gamelan transcription of Baris Cycle: Your transcription, submitted at the conclusion of session 7 (10%), and an impression mark based on your performance in the second ‘recreation’ phase of the task in session 8 (10%) make up the overall assessment for this unit of study component.
  • Listening test based on listening and reading research​: In the listening test in session 12 (May 25), you will be asked to identify four (4) recorded extracts taken from different gamelan compositions that are, nonetheless, representative of four of the five genres recorded on Canvas (1% for each correctly identified genre). You will also be asked to describe at least two features of each extract, in terms of instrumentation, texture, modality and musical form, that enable you to identify the genre (1% for each unambiguously described feature).
  • Self-directed performance of notated Baris cycle: Your transcription, submitted at the conclusion of session 7 (10%), and an impression mark based on your performance in the second ‘recreation’ phase of the task in session 8 (10%) make up the overall assessment for this unit of study component.
  • Guided group composition task and performance​: Small groups compose a short melody, following teacher guidelines (5%). With further teacher input, each group elaborates a kotékan pattern for its melody (10%). Each group then presents its melody and kotékan to the class, who, with teacher guidance, supply the missing lower parts to create a full ensemble performance.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas

Assessment criteria

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

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

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.

Distinction

75 - 84

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

Credit

65 - 74

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.

Pass

50 - 64

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.

Fail

0 - 49

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.

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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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:

n/a

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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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 1. Introduction to gamelan instruments, their tuning and playing techniques; 2. Gilak Dung - learn principal parts plus gangsa polos part (kotékan têlu) Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO16 LO17
Week 02 Gilak Dung - add gangsa sangsih part (kotékan têlu), plus learn polos and sangsih réong parts (ocak-ocakan) Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO16 LO17
Week 03 Gilak Dung - review and combine all parts Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO16 LO17
Week 04 Baris Cycle 1 - learn core parts, plus gangsa polos and sangsih (kotékan norot) and rotate Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO16 LO17
Week 05 Baris Cycle 1 - learn basic réong polos and sangsih patterns (kotékan êmpat) and rotate Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO16 LO17
Week 06 Baris Cycle 1 - review and combine all parts and perform with kêndang (drum). [If time permits, demonstrate/perform Baris Cycle 1 as baléganjur] Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO16 LO17
Week 07 Transcription Task (Part 1): notate Baris Cycle 2 from website (individual task) Online class (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO7 LO15
Week 08 Transcription Task (Part 2): perform Baris Cycle 2 from your notated transcriptions (group task) Online class (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO7 LO11 LO15
Week 09 Compose 8-beat cyclical melody in bapang form; devise kotékan têlu elaboration of your melody on gangsa; add supporting parts (minus réong) and perform with full ensemble (group task) Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO8 LO11 LO12
Week 10 1. Adapt your cyclical bapang melody for performance on Orff Schulwerk instruments; 2. Class review: Discuss the value of substituting Orff (or other) instruments for gamelan instruments when teaching gamelan music in schools Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO9 LO11 LO12 LO17
Week 11 Review and analyse recorded examples on Canvas in preparation for Listening Test Online class (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5 LO12 LO16 LO17
Week 12 1. Class discussion and feedback: The benefits and shortcomings of rote learning versus learning with notation; 2. Unit of study survey Online class (2 hr) LO10 LO15 LO16

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 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

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. perform simple cyclical pieces of Balinese gamelan music in an ensemble setting
  • LO2. have a basic knowledge of Balinese terminology used to describe instruments and both musical and extra-musical concepts associated with gamelan practice in Bali
  • LO3. have an understanding of various tuning systems used in Balinese gamelan music
  • LO4. analyse the formal structure of simple cyclical pieces of Balinese gamelan music
  • LO5. distinguish between a variety of genres of gamelan music based on their distinctive musical forms and ensemble characteristics
  • LO6. have an understanding of how Balinese gamelan instruments and gamelan music embody and reflect social, religious and cultural beliefs and practices of the Balinese people
  • LO7. transcribe and notate Balinese melodies and rhythms using a modified form of western 5-line staff notation; perform from notation on gamelan instruments
  • LO8. compose a cyclical gamelan melody in the style of pieces studied in class and elaborate the melody into full ensemble performance with all major instrumental parts
  • LO9. adapt gamelan music for classroom performance on substitute Western instruments where Balinese instruments are unavailable
  • LO10. have a working knowledge of the underlying principles and practical application of teaching and learning music without the aid of notation using a model-and-copy rote learning method
  • LO11. have improved ensemble skills and be better able to listen for and respond to aural cues in an ensemble setting
  • LO12. have improved overall aural skills, hand-eye coordination and longterm memory of melody and rhythm
  • LO13. be a more active learner through having had to choose which aspect of the music to focus on (melody, rhythm or articulation) when copying the teacher and endeavouring to commit parts to memory
  • LO14. be a more ‘physical’ performer due to the absence of a notational intermediary between your body (as performer) and the music (as performance) experienced during the learning process
  • LO15. have a practical awareness of the benefits and shortcomings of both the use and non-use of musical notation as a teaching aid
  • LO16. have an enhanced appreciation and understanding of a musical culture significantly different from the Western one you are familiar with
  • LO17. have an expanded awareness of the global contexts in which music exists, of what is possible in terms of how music can be made, and of the cultural purposes for which music can be created and performed.

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.

By popular request, a group composition task, beginning with the creation by a small group of 4 students of an 8-beat cyclical melody, and culminating in the elaboration of each group's melody into a full ensemble performance, has been added to the assessment tasks for this UoS.

More information can 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.