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Unit outline_

MCGY3602: Understanding East Asian Music

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Sydney

Students will learn about, discuss and play different musical forms from East Asia - ranging from ancient guqin music to contemporary K-Pop. They will develop an understanding of key aesthetic concepts, musical instruments and musical features of the music cultures in this region. Students will be encouraged to develop awareness of the diversity of East Asian musics and cultures, and of music's interrelation with and great significance to East Asian societies both in the past and today.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Analysis, History and Cultural Studies
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Catherine Ingram, catherine.ingram@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam Final exam
Written exam during examination period
25% Formal exam period 1.5 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Interactive oral Tutorial panel
Group discussion of set reading in selected tutorial
15% Multiple weeks 10-15 mins AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Contribution Class participation
Active, well-prepared participation in class discussions and practice tests
10% Multiple weeks Ongoing AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Out-of-class quiz Early Feedback Task Early feedback task
Practice listening test
0% Week 03
Due date: 21 Aug 2026 at 23:59
10-15 min AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Written work Academic blog post: visualizing East Asian music
Blog post
15% Week 06
Due date: 11 Sep 2026 at 23:59
800 word post AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Presentation group assignment Group blog post reflection video
Short group video reflecting on blog posts from all group members. See Canvas for details.
10% Week 08
Due date: 25 Sep 2026 at 23:59
5-10 min AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
In-person written or creative task Listening test
Listening test in final tutorial
25% Week 13
Due date: 05 Nov 2026 at 11:00
50 mins AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
group assignment = group assignment ?
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment requirements

All assessment tasks must be attempted. Failure to submit or attend any assessment task will normally result in an Absent Fail (AF) or failure of the unit.

If a task is specified as a hurdle requirement, you must obtain a minimum mark of 50% in that task to pass the unit, even if your overall mark is higher.

Assessment criteria

Fail: (Below 50%) Work not of acceptable standard.

Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: Unacceptable paraphrasing; irrelevance of content; poor spelling; poor presentation; grammar or structure so sloppy it cannot be understood; failure to demonstrate understanding of content; insufficient or overlong word length.

Pass: (50%-64%) Work of acceptable standard.

Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading/research; relevant material; tendency to descriptive summary rather than critical argument; makes a reasonable attempt to avoid paraphrasing; reasonably coherent structure; often has weaknesses in particular areas, especially in terms of narrow or underdeveloped treatment of question; acceptable documentation.

Credit: (65%-74%) Highly competent work demonstrating potential for higher study.

Evidence of broader understanding than pass level; offers synthesis with some critical evaluation of material; coherent argument using a range of relevant evidence; some evidence of independent thought, good referencing. A high credit (70-74) shows some evidence of ability to problematise and think conceptually.

Distinction: (75%-84%) Work of superior standard.

Demonstrates initiative in research and wide, appropriate reading; complex understanding of question and ability to critically review material in relation to underlying assumptions and values; analyses material in relation to empirical and theoretical contexts; properly documented; clear, well-developed structure and argument with some signs of literary style.

High Distinction: (85%-100%) Work of exceptional standard.

Demonstrates high level of initiative in research and reading; sophisticated critical analysis of evidence; high level engagement with theoretical issues, innovative use of reading/research material and impressive command of underlying debates and assumptions; properly documented and written with style, originality and precision.

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Oral presentations will be assessed against the following criteria:

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Content

Shows evidence of broad research, taking into account a variety of sources

Clear argument, supported by relevant reasons and evidence


Shows evidence of critical thinking about the topic, including:

  • Considers alternative views 

  • Where appropriate, questions assumptions implicit in the literature 

  • Draws meaningful connections between facts and / or concepts 


Uses terminology accurately and appropriately 


Presentation

Is clearly expressed


Is interesting and engages other students 


Makes appropriate use of examples and presentation methods relevant to the material presented (e.g. presentation software, handouts, recordings where relevant) 


Covers the topic effectively in the available time 


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For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of theÌýAcademic Integrity Policy.

Visit theÌýCurrent Students websiteÌýfor more information on AI in assessments, includingÌýdetails on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% of total marks per day. If you are unable to submit on time, please apply for a simple extension or special consideration before the due date.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our websiteÌýprovides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed theÌýAcademic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)Ìýwhich is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit theÌýCurrent Students websiteÌýfor more information on AI in assessments, includingÌýdetails on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through aÌýsimple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible forÌýspecial consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,ÌýÌýincludes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students PolicyÌýreflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to the unit; East Asian music: Contemporary contexts and misconceptions Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Introduction to the unit; East Asian music: Contemporary contexts and misconceptions Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 East Asia as a Region Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
East Asia as a Region Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Encounters with East Asian Drumming in Diaspora Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Encounters with East Asian Drumming in Diaspora Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Musical Instruments and Transmission in East Asia Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Musical Instruments and Transmission in East Asia Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Music and its ritual and social function in East Asia Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Music and its ritual and social function in East Asia Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Aesthetic concepts in East Asian music: Focus on Japan Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Aesthetic concepts in East Asian music: Focus on Japan Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Aesthetic Concepts in East Asian Music: Focus on China Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Aesthetic Concepts in East Asian Music: Focus on China Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Minority musics in Chinese-speaking contexts Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Minority musics in Chinese-speaking contexts Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Rhythm and percussion in Korea Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Rhythm and percussion in Korea Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 11 Popular music and globalization in East Asia Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Popular music and globalization in East Asia Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12 East Asian art music in the 20th and 21st centuries Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
East Asian art music in the 20th and 21st centuries Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 13 East Asian musics in twenty-first century context Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
In-class listening test Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Please see canvas site

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate a greater knowledge of music from the East Asian region and its social, cultural and geographical context
  • LO2. demonstrate a greater awareness of musical diversity
  • LO3. utilise improved analytical and research skills
  • LO4. present your analysis and opinion in an enhanced manner in written and oral forms, including within the online environment

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all ±¬ÁÏÍõ graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In order to take advantage of the expertise of available staff and visiting experts, there have been minor changes to the topics covered since this unit was last offered. A listening test and written exam have replaced the major essay. The blog post is followed by a group discussion. A non-weighted early feedback task provides students with support in preparing for the final listening test.

Please see canvas site for further details about the course.

Disclaimer

Important: the ±¬ÁÏÍõ regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an .