Students

MUS 301 – World Musics

2015 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Waldo Garrido
Contact via waldo.garrido@mq.edu.au
193B
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
39cp
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit introduces and examines music from a diverse range of cultures. It focuses on the many ways that traditional, contemporary and fusion music from around the world is thought about, performed and transmitted locally and globally. The unit also analyses the sociological and commercial representation of world music in the West. Particular emphasis is given to music and musical thought in both traditional and contemporary settings in South Asia, South–East Asia, West Asia, and West Africa.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Analyse and articulate the processes through which world music is constructed and circulated in the West.
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the connections between a music culture and the broader political, social and cultural contexts which create, define and sustain it.
  • Identify the place of music in the lives of communities in different places around the world.
  • Research, investigate and analyse the diversity and difference that exist between music cultures around the world.
  • Participate creatively and ethically while engaging with musical cultures from around the world.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
Knowledge Test 30% Week 7 No
Ethnographic Group Research 40% Weeks 11 and 12 No
Participation/Performance 30% Throughout the semester No

Knowledge Test

Due: Week 7
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:

The test will include information gleaned from all material provided in lectures and tutorials associated with this unit up to week 6. This test will include multiple choice and short answer questions.

Assessment Criteria:

The students will be assessed on all the material covered in lectures 1 to 6. Additionally, any terminology and glossary acquired in practical tutorials 2 to 6 will be included in this test.

 

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse and articulate the processes through which world music is constructed and circulated in the West.
  • Research, investigate and analyse the diversity and difference that exist between music cultures around the world.

Ethnographic Group Research

Due: Weeks 11 and 12
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:

Ethnographic research project: This is a group project (3-4 students). The ethnographic research project requires the student group to conceive, design and undertake a research project that is based on immersion in a community-based cultural or musical organization and/or performance event. The students will use the participant observation research strategy to acquire data and experience. The project will require students to:  (1) produce a research poster, which describes and documents the subject of research, and (2) give a presentation using the poster and audio-visual recordings of relevant events at a designated location during weeks 12 and 13. Details on marking will be provided during class.

Marking Criteria:

Research Report (20%)

The following research report guidelines must be adhered to:

Your report should include reference to at least two specific musical examples to illustrate your research data and findings.

Where relevant your topic should be thoroughly researched using both primary and secondary sources.

Each research report is 2,000 words not including song lyrics and/or translations and bibliography.

In consultation with the course convenor and tutor, each group will decide on the tasks required for the research and the individual contributions of each member of the group. These tasks and contributions should be clearly documented in your journal and will be used in the assessment process.

In addition you are encouraged to make full use of graphic, photographs, charts, tables, etc. to make the report as creative, professional and informative as possible.

 

Oral Presentation (20 %)

The presentation should employ a variation of the PechaKucha method (20 slides x 20 seconds) (see http://www.pechakucha.org) so that each student presents within the overall group time frame of 15 minutes per group. In other words aim to be succinct and precise in your slides and commentary.

Each group will have 15 minutes for their oral presentation and each member is expected to speak on a particular aspect of the research.

Take care to rehearse and time your presentation, as marks will be deducted for running over time.

Presentations must be accompanied by audio or video illustrations.

Reports and presentations will be assessed on the basis of  (i) evidence of team-work (ii) the application of appropriate interpretative and analytical tools to the research topic (iii) the quality of the report in terms of its content and organization, and (iv) the effectiveness of the oral presentation (including adherence to the time limit).

 

 

 

 

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse and articulate the processes through which world music is constructed and circulated in the West.
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the connections between a music culture and the broader political, social and cultural contexts which create, define and sustain it.
  • Identify the place of music in the lives of communities in different places around the world.
  • Research, investigate and analyse the diversity and difference that exist between music cultures around the world.

Participation/Performance

Due: Throughout the semester
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:

The tutorials for the unit will mostly be practical performance sessions in different musical styles and cultures. Students must attend all tutorials and participate in the group rehearsals that occur. Additionally, one final performance assessment will be undertaken at the end of semester on different repertoire/traditions. 

Assessment Criteria:

Attendance to practical tutorial is essential as specific parts within the repertoire will by assigned to individual students.

Implementation of appropriate performative techniques.

Knowledge of the specific cultures associated with the musical styles studied.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Participate creatively and ethically while engaging with musical cultures from around the world.

Delivery and Resources

The unit is offered internally and attendance at all lectures and tutorials will be taken. Tutorials will consist largely of practical sessions in which students will learn a variety of repertoire items from different musical traditions including Indonesia, Latin America, Papua New Guinea and West Africa. Readings for each week will be given in advance of each lecture and it is expected that students will read these. Readings may either be in a printed hard copy reader or online through the library. Details will be provided in the first class.

The iLearn website for the unit will be used to provide announcements, special study guides and other resources that will be useful for the completion of assignments and performance.

 

The final assessment task for the unit now includes more practical activities as suggested by previous unit evaluations. In addition, the second assessment task (Fieldwork Research Report) has replaced the pevious task which was an essay. This change was undertaken within a broader strategy of including more active learning tasks within the unit.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Additional information

MMCCS website https://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/faculties_and_departments/faculty_of_arts/department_of_media_music_communication_and_cultural_studies/

MMCCS Session Re-mark Application http://www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/public/download/?id=167914

Information is correct at the time of publication

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Participate creatively and ethically while engaging with musical cultures from around the world.

Assessment task

  • Participation/Performance

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Assessment tasks

  • Ethnographic Group Research
  • Participation/Performance

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Research, investigate and analyse the diversity and difference that exist between music cultures around the world.
  • Participate creatively and ethically while engaging with musical cultures from around the world.

Assessment tasks

  • Ethnographic Group Research
  • Participation/Performance

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse and articulate the processes through which world music is constructed and circulated in the West.
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the connections between a music culture and the broader political, social and cultural contexts which create, define and sustain it.
  • Identify the place of music in the lives of communities in different places around the world.
  • Research, investigate and analyse the diversity and difference that exist between music cultures around the world.

Assessment tasks

  • Knowledge Test
  • Ethnographic Group Research

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse and articulate the processes through which world music is constructed and circulated in the West.
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the connections between a music culture and the broader political, social and cultural contexts which create, define and sustain it.
  • Identify the place of music in the lives of communities in different places around the world.
  • Research, investigate and analyse the diversity and difference that exist between music cultures around the world.
  • Participate creatively and ethically while engaging with musical cultures from around the world.

Assessment tasks

  • Knowledge Test
  • Ethnographic Group Research
  • Participation/Performance

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse and articulate the processes through which world music is constructed and circulated in the West.
  • Research, investigate and analyse the diversity and difference that exist between music cultures around the world.
  • Participate creatively and ethically while engaging with musical cultures from around the world.

Assessment tasks

  • Knowledge Test
  • Ethnographic Group Research

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse and articulate the processes through which world music is constructed and circulated in the West.
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the connections between a music culture and the broader political, social and cultural contexts which create, define and sustain it.
  • Research, investigate and analyse the diversity and difference that exist between music cultures around the world.
  • Participate creatively and ethically while engaging with musical cultures from around the world.

Assessment tasks

  • Knowledge Test
  • Ethnographic Group Research

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse and articulate the processes through which world music is constructed and circulated in the West.
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the connections between a music culture and the broader political, social and cultural contexts which create, define and sustain it.
  • Identify the place of music in the lives of communities in different places around the world.
  • Participate creatively and ethically while engaging with musical cultures from around the world.

Assessment tasks

  • Knowledge Test
  • Ethnographic Group Research
  • Participation/Performance

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the connections between a music culture and the broader political, social and cultural contexts which create, define and sustain it.
  • Identify the place of music in the lives of communities in different places around the world.
  • Participate creatively and ethically while engaging with musical cultures from around the world.

Assessment tasks

  • Ethnographic Group Research
  • Participation/Performance