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Unit outline_

MCGY3639: Modernism in Austria and Germany 1889-1914

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Sydney

Between 1889 and 1914, certain Austro-Germanic composers played a crucial role in the emerging modernist movement. Richard Strauss, Mahler and Schoenberg engaged with past musical traditions and contemporary trends in visual art, literature and philosophy to produce a distinctively new type of music. Works to be studied include Strauss's tone poems, Mahler's symphonies and Schoenberg's chamber music, as well as Lieder and stage works. Among the issues which will be explored are the way in which traditional formal structures were invoked and destabilised, the changes the musical language underwent and how music was conceptualized in this era of change and crisis.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Analysis, History and Cultural Studies
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
MCGY2612
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator David Larkin, david.larkin@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Interactive oral hurdle task Research essay oral
Oral examination of research essay
5% Formal exam period 10 mins AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO6
Written work Research essay final
Final revised version of research essay
25% Formal exam period
Due date: 15 Nov 2026 at 23:59
3000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO5
Presentation Presentation
Video-recorded presentation
20% Multiple weeks 12-15 minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Out-of-class quiz Early Feedback Task Early Feedback Task
Test on ideas and works in weeks 1–3
0% Week 03
Due date: 23 Aug 2026 at 23:59
20 mins AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test In-class test 1
Listening and analysis test
10% Week 07
Due date: 16 Sep 2026 at 10:20
25 mins AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3
Written work Research essay plan
Plan of research essay
5% Week 07
Due date: 20 Sep 2026 at 23:59
300 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO5
Written work Research essay draft
Draft version of research essay
15% Week 11
Due date: 25 Oct 2026 at 23:59
2000–3000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO5
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test In-class test 2
Listening and analysis test
10% Week 13
Due date: 04 Nov 2026 at 10:20
25 mins AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3
Contribution Seminar participation
Participation
10% Weekly n/a AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

  • Research essay: The assessment involves 3 parts: an essay plan, a draft version, and a final version of the essay. 
  • ±Ê°ù±ð²õ±ð²Ô³Ù²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýStudents are to give a presentation on the topic selected in week 1. 
  • In-class test: There are two short in-class tests and each is worth 10% .
  • Seminar participation: Students are expected to have engaged with the assigned readings and done adequate preparation so as to contribute to the seminar discussion.

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

  • The questions on the in-class tests are mostly factual rather than evaluative in nature.
  • The seminar participation mark will be based on a student’s involvement in class discussion over the course of the semester, and on their comments on their classmates’ online presentation. The emphasis will be on the quality rather than necessarily the quantity of comments.
  • The essay will be marked according to the , as listed below

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.

  • In the presentation, content will be marked out of 10, and delivery out of 10. In terms of content, there should be evidence of the research undertaken: you will be judged on the calibre of the ideas you’ve marshalled from your reading and study. In terms of delivery, you will be judged on how well you convey the material to your classmates, your use of slides and handouts (all optional) and music examples (strongly recommended).

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)
    • Where appropriate, questions assumptions implicit in the literature
    • Draws meaningful connections between facts and / or concepts
  • Uses terminology accurately and appropriately

Delivery

  • Is clearly expressed and interesting
  • Makes appropriate use of examples and presentation methods relevant to the material presented (e.g. slideshow, sound or video clips where relevant)
  • Covers the topic effectively in the available time (and does not exceed this)

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 the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details 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:

For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work, unless an extension has been sought and granted in writing.

Academic integrity

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

Our website provides 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 the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which 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 the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details 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 a simple 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 for special consideration or special arrangements.

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

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,  includes 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 Policy reflects 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 Modernism Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Modernism Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 02 Breakthrough Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Breakthrough Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 03 Maximalism Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Maximalism Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 04 Transfiguration Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Transfiguration Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 05 Programmaticism Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Programmaticism Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 06 Song Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Song Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 07 Atonality Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Atonality Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 08 Symphony Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Symphony Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 09 Degeneration Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Degeneration Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 11 Valediction Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Valediction Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 12 Expressionism Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Expressionism Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 13 Neoclassicism Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Neoclassicism Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned. The Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90%.

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

All assigned readings, as well as scores and recordings of the set works, can be found on the Canvas website

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. discuss turn-of-the-century German modernism as manifested in music, art, literature and philosophical ideas of the period
  • LO2. recognise individual works by Strauss, Mahler and Schoenberg, and be familiar with scholarly modes of engaging with this music
  • LO3. analyse developments in harmony and form at the end of the common-practice era
  • LO4. evaluate critically both primary texts and secondary scholarship
  • LO5. conduct independent research on topics of his/her own devising related to the themes of this unit
  • LO6. engage respectfully but critically with the views of others through in-class discussion

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.

This unit was very positively received the last time it was offered (2024). Some set works and weekly topics have been changed this time. Assessment items have been reclassified and two new assessment items added to meet with new University requirements.

More information can be found on Canvas.

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 .