Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit introduces students to the history of aesthetics and analytical techniques primarily, although not exclusively, relating to Western art music. It investigates the role of art theory (aesthetics) in music, its historical development, and place within contemporary intellectual culture. Central questions in the unit relate to musical meaning, the creation of aesthetic value and how such questions inform the emerging discipline of critical musicology. What are the key themes and theories of aesthetics and criticism in general, and in music in particular? What is the relationship between music and the listener in various historical, social and cultural contexts? By addressing these and other questions, the unit develops an advanced level of knowledge and critical thinking about music and music performance. This is an elective unit in the Music Studies major in the Bachelor of Arts degree. It is also open to students enrolled in other majors and degree pathways who fulfill the prerequisites and who have an interest in music.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 3 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) outline significant developments and moments relating to the study of aesthetics in general and, more specifically, to Western art music and other related fields (e.g. ethnomusicology and popular music studies); (2) demonstrate a theoretical knowledge of the emerging field of critical musicology; (3) situate debates pertaining to music aesthetics and music criticism within wider historical, social and cultural contexts; (4) critically engage with performances of music as they relate to various historical periods; and (5) apply theoretical knowledge to research, plan and write a research essay.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) lecture participation; (2) critical analysis of a music performance; and (3) a critical review essay. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Assistant Professor Ashley Smith
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- any Level 2 Music unit
- Contact hours
- lectures: 2 hrs per week
field work: 1 day
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.