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Unit of study_

MUSC4214: Musicology Workshop Advanced

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Musicology Workshop Advanced provides a forum for discussion of musicological work and provides experience in the presentation of ideas and research. It also provides a broadening of students' experience in the field through attendance at the Conservatorium's fortnightly Musicology Colloquium Series lectures, presented by SCM staff and visiting national and international scholars speaking on a wide range of topics, as well as through class activities exploring areas such as research and writing skills, music criticism, visits to local libraries or archives, and conference attendance and reporting. Honours students also have the opportunity to build skills in leadership and influence by mentoring undergraduates taking Musicology Workshop 1 and 2.

Unit details and rules

Unit code MUSC4214
Academic unit
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Alan Maddox, alan.maddox@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Reflective journal
Journal
20% - 2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Assignment Research essay
Essay
50% - 3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Participation Participation and short tasks
Participation
5% Ongoing n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Presentation group assignment Scope of musicology presentation
A brief introduction to one of the sub-disciplines of musicology
5% Week 03 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO3 LO2
Assignment Annotated bibliography
Annotated bibliography on your individual research project
5% Week 08 At least 15 items
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Presentation Presentation of semester paper
Presentation
15% Week 11 100 word abstract + 20 mins presentation
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Participation and short tasks: Students are required to prepare for each class by studying set readings, preparing questions for discussion, posting regularly to the discussion board, and other activities as specified for each week. In class, students are expected to participate actively in discussion and contribute to a musicological community in which respect for others is shown, difference is valued, and academic honesty is an essential characteristic.
  • Reflective journals: Submitted in two parts, the journal includes commentary on each workshop meeting, and over the course of the semester, must include entries on at least two ‘extra curricular’ events attended.
  • Presentation of semester paper: Towards the end of the semester, students are required to give a substantial research presentation on the Honours thesis topic.
  • Assigned written assessment: A research essay and/or other research-oriented written work that may be in an area addressed by one of the visiting speakers during the semester, or another topic which supports the student’s Honours program.

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.

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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

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 Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. Introduction to the semester; 2. Exploring reflective writing Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 02 1. Individual interest flash presentations; 2. Musicology Colloquium 1 Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 03 Key concepts in musicology Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 04 1. Developing a research topic. 2. Musicology Colloquium 2 Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 05 Research writing workshop Seminar (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 06 1. bibliographic skills workshop. 2. Musicology Colloquium 3 Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO8
Week 07 Research projects workshop Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 08 1. Research projects update; 2. Musicology Colloquium 4 Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO8
Week 09 Getting hands-on with the literature: the great library treasure hunt! Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO7
Week 10 Special Projects Week 1: no class. Time to work on your individual research project! Independent study (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 11 1. Musicological methods; 2. Musicology Colloquium 5. Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 12 1. Class conference: research project presentations Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 13 1. methods in musicology; 2. Musicology Colloquium 6 Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8

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.

Required readings

Set texts for this unit are

Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. Edited by Wayne C. Booth et. al. 9th ed. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2018. [There is a copy on 2-hour loan but the e-book is cheap to buy]

Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, Joseph M. Williams, Joseph Bizup, and William T. FitzGerald. The Craft of Research. Fourth edition. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2016.

Beard, David, and Kenneth Gloag. Musicology: The Key Concepts. 2nd edition. ed. Abingdon; New York: Routledge, 2016. [e-book available through the library catalogue]

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. demonstrate a broad knowledge of the scope of musicological scholarship and research
  • LO2. demonstrate advanced skills in critical thinking and critical discussion
  • LO3. find and evaluate a range of specialist sources for music research, both in hard copy and online
  • LO4. articulate your research question(s) and explain the significance of your research
  • LO5. explain important musicological research methods and demonstrate an in-depth understanding of methods relating to your own research
  • LO6. speak and write persuasively about music and music research
  • LO7. use relevant specialist terminology appropriately and with understanding
  • LO8. demonstrate a reflective approach to research tasks and procedures, including an understanding of ethical, social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities in research.

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.

Updated to provide formative assessment with opportunities for feedback earlier in semester, and for groupwork and mentoring.

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.