African Music and Dance

Subject MUSI10148 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Summer Term, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 04-Jan-2016 to 14-Feb-2016
Assessment Period End 26-Feb-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 08-Jan-2016
Census Date 15-Jan-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 05-Feb-2016

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 29-Feb-2016 to 29-May-2016
Assessment Period End 24-Jun-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 11-Mar-2016
Census Date 31-Mar-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 06-May-2016

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 25-Jul-2016 to 23-Oct-2016
Assessment Period End 18-Nov-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 05-Aug-2016
Census Date 31-Aug-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 23-Sep-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 1 one-hour lecture and 1 two-hour rehearsal each week during semester and an end of semester performance.
Total Time Commitment:

120 hours

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects:

Not available to BMus students

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Graeme Counsel

Contact

Dr Graeme Counsel

counselg@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject is designed to impart skills and knowledge central to music making processes in various West African cultures. Integrating practical and academic study the subject will focus on understanding the musical complexities of West African music and dance both in its sociocultural context and through hands-on participation at weekly rehearsals and supporting lectures, culminating in an end of semester performance. It will investigate structural components and procedures common to many African music forms and explore their application to particular pieces. It will provide simple and practical methodologies for mastering the rhythmic complexities in West African music.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this subject, students should have gained:

• the skills to perform West African percussion music and dance to a competent standard;
• an understanding of the context of West African music and dance;
• an understanding of polyrhythm, polymetre, syncopation, off-beat patterning and other structural components in African music;
• an understanding of the relationship between dance movement and music patterning;
• competency as ensemble musicians; and
• an ability to identify and understand the broad and diverse cultural references of the relevant repertoire.

Assessment:

Weekly preparation of parts, individual and/or sectional practice and active contribution to all rehearsals, classes and performances as directed (throughout the semester) - 50%
Two 15 minute listening tests (Weeks 6 and 12) - 20% ( 10% each)
Two 500 word written assignments (Weeks 4 and 10) - 20% ( 10% each)
One 15 minute short answer and multiple choice written test (Week 12) -10%

100% weekly punctual and full attendance at all rehearsals and performances as directed is expected: Less than 80% attendance will result in a Fail (Hurdle Requirement)

Prescribed Texts:

Readings will be available online through the LMS before the commencement of the semester.

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• apply teamwork skills in rehearsal/performance groups
• manage multitasking;
• demonstrate a command of rhythmic complexity;
• demonstrate skills in cooperation, communication and negotiation that allow for effective working in ensembles; and
• demonstrate a capacity to think critically and independently.

Related Breadth Track(s): Non-western music performance

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