Outline

Overview

A more advanced exploration of music literacy skills than MUSC1503. The material covered in this unit of study ranges from the broad to the specific: from an examination of musical elements and the way they are used in a variety of musical genres through to specific compositional aspects such as four-part writing. Analysis and compositional craft regarding melody, harmony and rhythm in classical and contemporary popular music are a central focus of this unit of study. Critical listening skills are developed in this unit of study.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Analysis, History and Cultural Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Aidan Rosa, aidan.rosa@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	AIJA DRAGUNS, aija.draguns@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	Weekly auralia tests 10 weekly aural quizzes via Auralia software, commences week 2 onward	10%	Multiple weeks	ca 15 minutes (each)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Weekly written tasks 10 weekly theory tasks via Musition software, commencing week 2 onward, completed in class	10%	Multiple weeks	ca.10 minutes (each)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Attendance Please see "Attendance and class requirements" under "Weekly Schedule" for the attendance policy	0%	Ongoing	N/A	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Triads and non-harmonic notes Quiz on lecture content from weeks 1–2 #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 23:59	ca 30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Mid-semester aural quiz In-class aural quiz	15%	Week 06	ca 50 minutes of work	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Harmonisation and re-harmonisation Three harmonisation-related tasks	10%	Week 07 Due date: 17 Apr 2026 at 23:59	24 bars of harmonisation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	The Con sings! Choral workshop led by choir director Elizabeth Scott	5%	Week 10	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Borrowed chords and modulation One online quiz	10%	Week 10 Due date: 08 May 2026 at 23:59	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Score analysis In-class harmonic and structural score-based annotation and analysis	15%	Week 13	50 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Final aural quiz In-class aural quiz	20%	Week 13	ca 50 minutes of work	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Triads and Non-Harmonic Notes: one out-of-class online quiz; this is the early feedback task.
Harmonisation and Re-Harmonisation: three harmonisation-related tasks.
Borrowed Chords and Modulation: one out-of-class online quiz.
Score Analysis: in-class harmonic and structural score-based annotation and analysis; this is a hurdle task.
Weekly Written Tasks (eLearning online): ten in-class tasks to be completed using the Musition software accessible via Canvas.
Weekly Auralia Tests (eLearning online): ten ongoing tests to be completed using the Auralia software accessible via Canvas.
Mid-semester Aural Quiz (In-class): in-class quiz that examines all topics covered during aural tutorials and weekly auralia tests (WATs) up to the week before mid-semester break.
Final Aural Quiz (in-class): in-class quiz that examines all topics covered during aural tutorials and weekly auralia tests (WATs) throughout the semester; this is a hurdle task.

To successfully complete this unit, students must:
• Achieve a minimum mark of 50% in the Final Aural Quiz,
• Achieve a minimum mark of 50% in the Score Analysis,
• An overall mark of at least 50% across all assessment items; and
• Satisfy the attendance requirements.

Detailed information for each assessment is available on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

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 guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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:

As per the University’s Assessment Procedures 2011 policy, Clause 7A, http://sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2012/267&RendNum=0: (1) It is expected that unless an application for Special Consideration has been approved, students will submit all assessment for a unit of study on the due date specified, by 11.59pm. If the assessment is completed or submitted within the period of extension, no academic penalty will be applied to that piece of assessment. (2) If an extension is either not sought, not granted or is granted but work is submitted after the extended due date, the late submission of assessment will result in an academic penalty as follows: A penalty of 5% of the maximum mark will be applied per calendar day the assessment is late. After 10 calendar days, mark of zero is given for that assessment.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 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. 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	The Elements of Music	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Non-harmonic notes	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Setting Chords to a Given Melody	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Voice Leading and Four-Part Harmony	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Functional Harmony and Chord Progressions	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Secondary Dominants and Borrowed Chords	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Diatonic Modulation	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Modulation to Distant Keys	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Harmonic Analysis	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Choral workshop led by choir director Elizabeth Scott	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 11	Motivic Analysis	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Structural Analysis (Part 1)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Structural Analysis (Part 2)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)

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 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

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. understand the workings of harmonic vocabulary in western common practice music
LO2. possess a foundational understanding of the harmonic, rhythmic, metric and structural functions of classical and contemporary popular music
LO3. begin to analyse and assess compositional techniques and approaches in existing compositions, and make use of such techniques and approaches in your own work
LO4. present score-based music to an adequate standard using computer music notation software and/or handwriting
LO5. relate music listening to score-based musical communication
LO6. have improved aural skills including rhythm and melodic dictation, sight-singing, conducting and interval/triad recognition and reproduction.

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.

Changes to deadlines and added The Con Sings! to the learning activities/assessments.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MUSC1504: Fundamentals of Music 2

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links