MUSC2684: Pop Musicology

2026 unit information

A great riff, a catchy melody, or a heartfelt lyric—these elements define popular music’s ability to connect with and resonate deeply with audiences. But how do these musical moments work? This unit explores key concepts and analytical techniques in pop musicology, equipping students with the tools to critically engage with and understand the distinctive qualities of popular music from multiple perspectives. Topics include genre, song structure, chord progressions, production techniques, lyrical themes, texture, and instrumentation, alongside analytical approaches such as musical semiotics and empirical musicology. Through interactive tutorials, students will apply these concepts through discussion, listening exercises, and hands-on tasks such as drawing, chart-making, and creating diagrams. This unit is ideal for students who want to deepen their understanding of how popular music works, develop analytical techniques for further study, and explore how we make meaning from the music we love.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Sydney Conservatorium of Music

Details

Study level	Undergraduate
Academic unit	Analysis, History and Cultural Studies
Credit points	6

Enrolment rules

Prerequisites: ?	MUSC1503 or MUSC1504 or MUSC1501 or MUSC2693 or MCGY1008 or JAZZ1621 or JAZZ1019
Corequisites: ?	None
Prohibitions: ?	None
Assumed knowledge: ?	None

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes for this unit will be available two weeks before the first day of teaching.

Unit availability

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Session	MoA ?	Location	Outline ?
Semester 2 2026	Normal day	Sydney	Outline unavailable

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

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