Outline

Overview

The culmination of the Fundamentals of Music series, this unit of study is an exploration of musical language used in contemporary popular, film and world music repertoire from ca. 1960 to the present. The focus is on compositional techniques, analytical tools and workflow that relates to contemporary music practitioners. Lectures will examine the given topic for that week with references to examples drawn from a list of repertoire for that topic. These examples will be discussed further in the written tutorials and supported by weekly homework. An important outcome of this unit of study is the final assignment, in which students apply the knowledge accrued over the semester in an original composition, which they also analyse. Aural Tutorials will draw on these topics to develop skills relating to the student's ability to perceive and interpret musical elements and procedures.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Analysis, History and Cultural Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	MUSC1503 or MUSC1504 or MUSC1501 or MUSC2693 or MCGY1008 or JAZZ1621 or JAZZ1019
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)	Laura Altman, laura.altman@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Cassie Parke, cassie.parke@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 3 onward	10%	Multiple weeks	ca 15 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	Notation and Chord Literacy Quiz on lecture content from weeks 1–2 #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 13 Mar 2026	ca 30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Mid-semester aural quiz In-person aural quiz	15%	Week 06	ca 50 minutes of work	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Drum Patterns Audio and score or DAW project-based submissions	10%	Week 06 Due date: 02 Apr 2026 at 23:59	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Contemporary vocal harmony Audio and score or DAW project-based submissions	10%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Apr 2026 at 23:59	N/A	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:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Final aural quiz In-person aural quiz	20%	Week 13	ca 50 minutes of work	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Composition, arrangement and analysis Scaffolded assessment tasks involving audio and score or DAW project-based submissions	25%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = 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

Notation and Chord Literacy: online, out-of-class quiz on lecture content from weeks 1–2; this is the early feedback task.
Drum Patterns: audio and score or DAW project-based submissions demonstrating competency in applying and creativity in embellishing drum patterns.
Contemporary Vocal Harmony: audio and score or DAW project-based submissions demonstrating competency in applying contemporary vocal harmony techniques.
Composition, Arrangement and Analysis: one composition or arrangement submitted as both score (or a DAW project) and audio, and a prerecorded presentation, scaffolded from weeks 10–13.
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 the 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,
• An overall mark of at least 50% across all assessment items; and
• Satisfy the attendance requirements.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found 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 emerging field of popular music theory	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Notation and note reading in popular music	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Rhythmic patterns: essential drum tracks	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Rhythmic patterns: complex drum tracks	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Chord progressions: from one to four chord songs	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Voicing and voice leading in instrumental and vocal harmony	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Chord progressions: substitution and chromatic chords	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Hooks, riffs, and repetition	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Form and structure in popular music: common forms and variations	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	Form and structure in popular music: concept albums	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Covers, arrangement, and adaptation	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Written and Aural tutorials as per the UoS Canvas site.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Textural and timbral manipulation	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 differences between traditional music theory and the harmonic language of popular music
LO2. Recognise and contextualise the harmonic and rhythmic mechanics of different popular genres/styles
LO3. Present and interpret score/chart-based music using traditional notation, chord symbols, and performance markings
LO4. Perform rhythm and melody dictation, sight singing, interval and triad recognition, and recognise tonality
LO5. Use the elements of music to create a meaningful commentary on popular 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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changes to learning activities (new content from new UoS coordinator). Changes to assessments, including more specific details regarding progressive assignments and their deadlines and weighting. Updated staff.

Additional information

More information will be found on Canvas.

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

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MUSC2695: Popular Music Theory

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

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links