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Unit of study_

STRG3012: Pedagogy Strings 1

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal day] - Sydney

This unit of study offers an introduction to the basic principles of teaching and learning bowed instruments. Topics covered include the principles of movement, posture and set-up, bow hold, bow strokes, left hand development and coordination, psychology and motivation, and curriculum. The emphasis is on pedagogical practice and method and the development of foundational instrumental and interpretative skills. Students are expected to research some main teaching methods, literature and pedagogical repertoire relevant to topics covered.

Unit details and rules

Unit code STRG3012
Academic unit
Credit points 3
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Goetz Richter, goetz.richter@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Skills-based evaluation Viva voce exam
n/a
30% - n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Curriculum report
Written paper. Discussion of curriculum material as outlined on Canvas site
30% - n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment Discussion paper
n/a
40% -
Outcomes assessed: LO4

Assessment summary

  • Discussion paper: Discuss a major topic of performance, musical or instrumental development. Discuss its theoretical principles and pedagogical strategies and materials, which will promote its development. Discussion must occur with reference to pedagogical and/or other relevant literature. A major topic here can include concrete technical topics (bow hand, strokes or stroke
    groups, Vibrato, Shifting, etc), topics of musical-artistic relevance (expression, style, projection) or topics relevant to performance in general (memory, performance anxiety, practice).
  • Curriculum Outline/ Teaching Presentation: In-class presentation of teaching materials and/or teaching methodology as scheduled at the beginning of semester. The presentation should be around 10 minutes in length with a written summary submitted one week after presentation. 
  • Viva voce exam: A ten-minute interview-exam (viva voce) will present  questions on topics covered in the semester, conducted online.

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 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 Introduction and foundations: The study of musical performance, pedagogical principles, the fundamentals of development and didactic work Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1
Week 02 Artistic performance through movement, intentionality and character, body and instrument, time and energy, mental and physical processes Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 Setting up. The dynamic view of posture and movement. Movement revisited, body and mind - implications for pedagogy. Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 04 The left hand. The asymmetry of string playing. Fundamental nature of timing, Setting up- and developing left hand foundation, Balanced movement, timing and rhythm, sound and tactile sense Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 Intonation Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 The String Player's Voice: The right arm and hand. The role of the bow hand, setting up and developing bowing and tone. The central nature of tone Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Bow strokes and bowing technique. Developing bowing and tone Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Performance: psychology, motivation and artistry. Preparing for public performance. A return to fundamentals. Lecture (1.5 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Practice: foundations, methods of learning and practice, progress and effectiveness Lecture (1.5 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Curriculum: pedagogical materials and their sequencing. Lecture (1.5 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 11 Curriculum: pedagogical materials and their sequencing. (contd) Lecture (1.5 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 12 Institutions and programs: building string programs, group classes and programs, the role of parents, collaboration and working with colleagues. Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: Students are expected ot attend all classes to pass this unit of study

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 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 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. understand the major foundational musical, developmental and technical principles relevant to their instrument
  • LO2. demonstrate some theoretical and practical ability to develop a coherent teaching methodology based on principles of proximate development and balance, and know how to apply such foundational pedagogical knowledge in practice
  • LO3. develop the framework of a useful resource base for their own teaching practice
  • LO4. demonstrate abilities and attitudes promoting life-long learning and ongoing pedagogical development through critical engagement with pedagogical literature, careful observation of practice and consistent clear reflection.

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.

NO INFORMATION ENTERED HERE YET

Disclaimer

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