Unit outline_

MUSC2691: Music and Politics

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study offers students a comprehensive understanding of interrelations and convergences between music and politics from a variety of musical genres and political circumstances. Students will be introduced to theoretical models for examining the social agency of musical expression, they will analyse the politics of convention and innovation within musical traditions, and examine musical dialogues that have reflected and influenced momentous social and political movements. No formal musical training necessary.

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 Gavin S K Lee, shinkang.lee@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Conversation Participation
Participation
20% Ongoing Weeks 1-13 AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Out-of-class quiz hurdle task Early Feedback Task Early feedback task
Early feedback task #earlyfeedbacktask
0% Week 02
Due date: 15 Aug 2025 at 23:59
15 min AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Written work Online reflection 1
Online reflection 1
10% Week 06
Due date: 12 Sep 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 12 Oct 2025
500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Presentation group assignment Group presentation
Group presentation
20% Week 09
Due date: 10 Oct 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 10 Nov 2025
10 min AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Written work Online reflection 2
Online reflection 2
10% Week 11
Due date: 24 Oct 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 24 Nov 2025
500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Presentation Final assignment
Options of powerpoint presentation, composition, or performance
40% Week 13
Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 07 Dec 2025
10 min AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?
early feedback 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

Participation, 2 online reflections, group presentation, final assignment (presentation, composition, and performance options)

Assessment criteria

High Distinction 85–100 Demonstrates exceptional insight and depth in content; thoroughly addresses all aspects of the assignment with original and critical thought. Exhibits a logical and seamless structure; ideas flow coherently with excellent transitions; format enhances the content. Showcases exceptional creativity and originality; innovative approach that significantly enhances the assignment. Minimal to no errors; demonstrates mastery of relevant tools and techniques. Engages audience deeply; leaves a lasting impact; effectively communicates purpose and evokes strong response. Meets all assignment guidelines and criteria exceptionally well; submission exceeds expectations.
Distinction 75–84 Provides comprehensive content with clear understanding; addresses key aspects with some original thought. Displays a clear and logical structure; ideas are well-organized with effective transitions; format supports the content. Demonstrates considerable creativity and originality; thoughtful approach that adds value to the assignment. Few minor errors; shows proficiency in relevant tools and techniques. Captures audience attention; communicates purpose clearly; evokes a positive response. Adheres to assignment guidelines and criteria effectively; submission meets expectations.
Credit 65–74 Presents adequate content with general understanding; addresses most aspects but lacks depth. Shows an acceptable structure; ideas are organized but may lack coherence in places; format is appropriate. Displays some creativity and originality; standard approach with occasional innovative elements. Some errors present; demonstrates basic competence in relevant tools and techniques. Maintains audience interest; communicates purpose adequately; evokes some response. Follows most assignment guidelines and criteria; submission has minor deviations.
Pass 50–64 Covers basic content; addresses some aspects but lacks depth and critical engagement. Demonstrates a basic structure; ideas are somewhat organized but lack clarity; format is inconsistent. Shows limited creativity; relies on conventional approaches with minimal innovation. Noticeable errors; limited competence in relevant tools and techniques. Shows limited audience engagement; purpose is unclear at times; evokes minimal response. Meets basic assignment guidelines and criteria; submission has notable deviations.
Fail 0–49 Content is superficial or irrelevant; fails to address key aspects of the assignment. Lacks a clear structure; ideas are disorganized and confusing; format detracts from the content. Lacks creativity and originality; repetitive or derivative work. Frequent errors; insufficient competence in relevant tools and techniques. Fails to engage audience; purpose is not communicated; evokes no response. Does not meet assignment guidelines and criteria; submission significantly deviates from requirements.

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.

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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Black Music, Resistance, and the Civil Rights Movement Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 02 Music and Class Struggle in Early 20th Century Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Music and War – WWII and the Cold War Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 Music and War – Vietnam to the Gulf War Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 Music, Feminism, and LGBTQ+ Rights Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 06 Music and Democratic Ideology in the First World Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 07 Global Protest Music and Anti-Colonialism Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 08 Music and Authoritarianism Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 09 Prominent Protests in the 21st Century Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 11 Music, Technology, and Political Mobilization Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 12 Music and Capitalism Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 13 Final Projects Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

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 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. Identify how music has been used to express resistance, protest, and solidarity across political contexts.
  • LO2. Conduct close readings of key songs, analyzing lyrics, performance, and context to uncover their political and social meanings.
  • LO3. Evaluate how politics has been represented, challenged, or advanced through music

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.

NA. First time unit has been offered in 6 years

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.