Key facts
UNE unit code: MUSI338
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
The study of music history provides the foundations for a deeper understanding of musical creativity in its original socio-cultural context and its changing reception to the present day. This unit focuses on musical developments from the early 20th century to today. When studying this unit you will explore a range of musical genres and styles through active listening and score analysis.
Using scholarly and musical sources, you will study movements in Western culture and society such as Expressionism, Free Atonality, Neo-classicism, Serial Music, the Avant-Garde, Postmodernism and Electro-Acoustic Music.
As well as providing a general overview, studies in this unit will concentrate on recent trends in the research and performance of 20th century and contemporary music.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- identify and interpret significant Western musical conventions and styles from movements in the modern and later eras;
- critically analyse music scores;
- demonstrate an understanding of technology in creating musical works, both in composition and performance; and
- apply developed information literacy and investigative skills relevant to the practice of musicology.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Essay 1 | Yes | 35% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
Essay 2 | Yes | 45% | All offerings | No. Words: 2500 |
Listening Assessment | No | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1000 (equivalent) |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
The Norton Anthology of Western Music, Vol. 3: The Twentieth Century and After
ISBN: 9780393656435
Burkholder, J.P. and Palisca, C.V., W.W. Norton and Company 8th ed. 2019
Text refers to:
A History of Western Music International Student Edition
ISBN: 9780393668155
Burkholder, J.P., Grout, D.J. and Palisca, C.V., W.W. Norton & Company 10th ed. 2019
Text refers to:
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.