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Unit Overview

Description

This unit explores the musical cultures of Southeast Asia, while investigating regional commonalities such as the predominance of bamboo and gongs, spirit practices, dance forms, shadow puppetry, colonial influences and popular musics. By examining the geopolitical impact of hills, forests, plains and coasts, the unit provides the technical knowledge required to evaluate various musical characteristics, techniques and performance contexts arising from the examination of Southeast Asian musics. Issues addressed include the interplay of tradition and modernity; migration and globalisation; performance practice and musical meaning; gender and genre; and popular musics and the role of music in the construction of regional, ethnic and national identities. Students also participate in the Balinese gamelan ensemble (a percussion ensemble from the island of Bali) and are introduced to Balinese dance.

This unit 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) distinguish between selected musical practices of dominant lowland and marginalised upland Indigenous peoples, as well as 'traditional' and 'popular' musics of Southeast Asia; (2) outline theoretical issues such as modernisation, globalisation and the growing influence of multimedia technologies with particular reference to the Southeast Asian context; (3) evaluate Southeast Asian pedagogic music practices in relation to practical participation in the Balinese gamelan ensemble; (4) reflect critically upon individual learning experiences through reflexive learning in relation to both participation in the Balinese gamelan ensemble and dance, and the lecture readings; and (5) demonstrate comprehensive research skills by formulating a research essay based on the unit lectures and materials.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) lecture participation; (2) a learning journal; and (3) a research 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 rules
Prerequisites
any Level 2 Music unit
Incompatibility
MUSC3070 Music of Southeast Asia
Contact hours
lectures: 20 hours per semester
ensemble: 8 hours per semester
  • 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.