This course is an in-depth study into Australian music of the Western art tradition. The primary focus is on music of the twentieth century and beyond from a compositional perspective. The student will develop the vocabulary and tools for speaking and writing critically about music through presentations, writing, analysis, listening and films. An awareness of the rich traditions of music that have contributed to the development of Australian music, and an understanding of the cultural, gendered, and aesthetic contexts of music practice in Australia will be a central theme.

Students are challenged to address issues, practices and methods relating to criticism, style and analysis, artistic interpretations, history, bibliography, biography, archival research, cultural theory, field work, and cross-cultural knowledge. The aim of the course is to provide students with the ability to use, synthesise and evaluate primary material in relation to music; to gain an understanding of the relationship between historical analysis and criticism, and a sensitivity to ethical, cultural and conceptual issues involved in the music process.

1. A greater awareness, knowledge and understanding of the great richness of Australian Western art music
2. A greater awareness of the way in which the environment, socio-cultural and philosophical contexts have impacted upon Australian composers and their output
3. Familiarity with a broad range of music through study of selected repertoire
4. A greater capacity for academic research and documentation using a wide range of sources
5. A greater capacity for critically evaluating and writing about Australian music within an academic context
6. A greater capacity to listen, reflect and understand Australian music
7. A greater capacity to think analytically about Australian music
8. A greater capacity to professionally present work in a small group situation

Assessment will be based on various tasks commensurate with the aims of the course. While written and oral presentations are required of all students, work in other media and formats may be included in the individual student's assessed work. Students will also be tested on material presented in lectures and in the required reading and listening/viewing. 

An essay outline (10%), an in-class presentation (20%), a 1500 word essay (40%) and 2 in-class listening tests (30%).

3 hours per week, a mixture of lectures and seminars.

12 units from List C