Outline

Overview

Climate change is one of the most important global issues of our era, and one which is destined to have a major influence on the lives of subsequent generations. It is especially dependent upon our understandings of the environment, our place within it, and our views of our environmental responsibilities. In this unit, students will explore some of the incredible range of ways in which music, the environment and climate change and interwoven. They will be guided through lectures from musicians and researchers involved in the connection between music and the environment across the fields of ethnomusicology, composition, digital music technology, jazz and contemporary music, as well as by lectures and a workshop with Indigenous Australian cultural custodians. Through this unit, students will understand not only the ways that, for millennia, music has a central role in the way that humans record, transmit and promote understandings of many different aspects of the environment, but also how it functions today and how it may help in solving environmental problems of the future.

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	Catherine Ingram, catherine.ingram@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
Presentation	Major project Self-designed major project with reflective component	30%	Formal exam period Due date: 14 Jun 2026 at 23:59	4000 words or 7-10 minute video essay	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Q&A - Participation in two tutorial panels Prepare for and actively participate in two group panel discussions (10-15 mins each). See Canvas for further details and to sign up for 2 panels.	20%	Multiple weeks	20-30 minutes in total	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	The science of climate change quiz Work through the Canvas module on the science of climate change and complete the short Canvas quiz at the end of the module.	0%	Week 03 Due date: 09 Mar 2026 at 23:59	6 questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Personal reflection 3-5 minute video reflecting on 2 different connections between music and the environment that interest you in weeks 1-4, and accompanying text with video script and at least 4 cited sources. See Canvas for details.	10%	Week 05 Due date: 27 Mar 2026 at 23:59	3-5 minute video and accompanying text	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	In-class reflection Students will provide their personal reflections on topics covered in weeks 1-8 through handwritten in-class responses to several questions.	25%	Week 09 Due date: 29 Apr 2026 at 12:00	50 mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Major project design and progress Discussion of design and progress relating to your major project, including your responses to feedback on project planning	15%	Week 13 Due date: 27 May 2026 at 23:59	4-6 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

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:

Fail: (Below 50%) Work not of acceptable standard.

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.

Pass: (50%-64%) Work of acceptable standard.

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.

Credit: (65%-74%) Highly competent work demonstrating potential for higher study.

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.

Distinction: (75%-84%) Work of superior standard.

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.

High Distinction: (85%-100%) Work of exceptional standard.

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.

Oral presentations will be assessed against the following criteria:

Content

Shows evidence of broad research, taking into account a variety of sources

Clear argument, supported by relevant reasons and evidence 

Shows evidence of critical thinking about the topic, including:

Considers alternative views  
Where appropriate, questions assumptions implicit in the literature  
Draws meaningful connections between facts and / or concepts

Uses terminology accurately and appropriately  

Presentation

Is clearly expressed 

Is interesting and engages other students  

Makes appropriate use of examples and presentation methods relevant to the material presented (e.g. presentation software, handouts, recordings where relevant)  

Covers the topic effectively in the available time  

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:

Late penalties Text displayed in unit outlines: 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.

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	Introduction and key concepts	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction and key concepts	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Thinking about music from the Indigenous perspective of Country	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Thinking about music from the Indigenous perspective of Country	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Nature in Western music traditions	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Nature in Western music traditions	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Nature in Eastern music traditions	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Nature in Eastern music traditions	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Music and threatened environments	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Music and threatened environments	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Popular music, the environment and climate justice	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Popular music, the environment and climate justice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Zoömusicology	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Zoömusicology	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Socially engaged art practice in times of environment consequence	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Socially engaged art practice in times of environment consequence	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Music as a complex ecosystem	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	In-class assessment	Assessment (1 hr)
Week 11	“Listening to the Earth”: New creative approaches for understanding our environment through the medium of sound	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	“Listening to the Earth”: New creative approaches for understanding our environment through the medium of sound	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Musical instruments, the environment and climate change	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Musical instruments, the environment and climate change	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Student presentations	Workshop (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance of at least 90% is expected.

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.

Required readings

Information provided on Canvas.

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. identify the significance of the many different connections between music and environment from the perspective of Indigenous peoples of Australia and beyond
LO2. demonstrate an enhanced awareness of musical diversity and the ways in which it can be linked to the environment by different musicians and communities
LO3. explain how music can be useful in promoting better environmental outcomes and combating climate change
LO4. show how climate change and other environmental problems can impact on music
LO5. gain musical inspiration from better understanding your own creative connections with your environment

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.

For 2026 the assessment has been slightly adjusted and spread more evenly across the semester, and an early feedback task has been addded.

Additional information

Please see the Canvas site for more detailed information.

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

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

Required readings

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

MUSC3641: Music, Environment and Climate Change

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Required readings

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