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Unit of study_

VSAO4647: Diction for Performance 3

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Sydney

In this unit the students will refine the specialist language needs of singers, with the objective of students achieving a professional command of diction in all major languages of classical song repertoire. On completion of this unit students should be able to deliver a professional delivery of the text in more demanding repertoire in a fluent, accurate and expressive performance of the sung text.

Unit details and rules

Unit code VSAO4647
Academic unit
Credit points 3
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
VSAO3646
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Anke Ryan, anke.ryan@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Anke Ryan, anke.ryan@sydney.edu.au
Alan Hicks, alan.hicks@sydney.edu.au
Simon Lobelson, simon.lobelson@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Skills-based evaluation Video performance 1 in French, German, Italian
Presentation
25% Multiple weeks 20 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Skills-based evaluation Video performance 2 in French, German, Italian
Presentation
25% Multiple weeks 20 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Creative assessment / demonstration In-class presentation 1 French, German, Italian
Presentation
20% Multiple weeks 20 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Creative assessment / demonstration In-class presentation 2 French, German, Italian
Presentation
20% Ongoing 20
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Creative assessment / demonstration Class discussion
Proactive in-class participation.
10% Ongoing 60 min
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4

Assessment summary

  • Class discussion: The student will be assessed on contributions and in-class participation during classroom activities. 
  • In-class presentation 1, 2 French, German, Italian: The student presents an art song in class, the tutor then works with the student and repeats the song with the applied new knowledge.
  • Video performances 1, 2 French, German, Italian: The student performs and records the prepared repertoire for each language and uploads the recording to Canvas for a final assessment. The due dates relate to the specific performance schedules and are available in the canvas module.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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
Multiple weeks Assigned students perform, analyze and discuss complex German repertoire in preparation for upcoming recitals and performances at an advanced level. Lecture and tutorial (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Assigned students perform, analyze and discuss complex Italian repertoire in preparation for upcoming recitals and performances at an advanced level. Lecture and tutorial (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Assigned students perform, analyze and discuss complex French repertoire in preparation for upcoming recitals and performances at an advanced level. Lecture and tutorial (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

Attendance and class requirements

As per the Sydney Conservatorium of Music resolutions, http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/conservatorium/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml (Item 11):   

  • 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%.

 

  • Lecture recording: Lectures for this unit of study will be recorded and made available to students via the Learning Management System (LMS) 

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.

Required readings

Additional texts and materials will be handed out in class and made available on Canvas.

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. perform complex songs in class and concert practice, demonstrating a further advanced understanding of the pronunciation of the major languages in different musical periods including aspects of onomatopoeia
  • LO2. deliver a correct delivery of the text in complex repertoire and styles in a fluent, accurate and expressive performance of the sung text
  • LO3. demonstrate an individual interpretation based on the synergy between poetry, rhythm, dynamic differences and expression markings.
  • LO4. practical application of acquired knowledge from other disciplines and the development of entrepreneurial skills by engaging in teamwork to organise, market and run a professional event.

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 changes have been made since the unit was last offered.
  • The language order is structured as follows:

Weeks 1-4, French, lecturer: Simon Lobelson 

Weeks 5-8, German, lecturer: Anke Hoeppner-Ryan

Weeks 9-12, Italian, lecturer: Alan Hicks

  • You are responsible for sending your music at least two weeks in advance to the assigned accompanist. 

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.