MUS 315 : Sonic Arts

Creative Arts and Industries

2020 Semester Two (1205) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

An examination of compositional concepts and techniques relating to acousmatic music and performance-based sonic art. Topics will be investigated through engagement in individually negotiated creative projects supported with technical exercises and a review of relevant repertoire and literature.

Course Overview

The course provides students with an introduction to practice-led research, an experience desirable as preparation for postgraduate-level study in sonic arts. Individually negotiated projects will be undertaken through the study of advanced techniques, repertoire and expert domain literature. The practice-led research projects will be assessed through conference-style presentation, as will preparatory studies together with a final composition illustrating and illuminated by the research.

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: MUS 211 or 219

Semester Availability

Semester 2, 2020

Course Co-ordinator

Dr John Coulter 
j.coulter@auckland.ac.nz
Fisher Building 18, Waterloo Quadrant Level 8, Room B804-810A
+ 64 9 373 7599 x 89177

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Music

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate introductory-level knowledge of the conceptual and theoretical bases of research methods suitable for sonic arts-based research (Capability 1 and 2)
  2. Apply methodological knowledge to sonic arts research problems and designs. (Capability 1, 2 and 3)
  3. Demonstrate and apply a range of intermediate-level technological solutions to technical problems within the context of individually negotiated sonic arts projects (Capability 1, 2 and 3)
  4. Develop and demonstrate a range of innovative solutions to aesthetic problems within the context of individually negotiated sonic arts projects. (Capability 1, 3 and 5)
  5. Create and refine a short sonic artwork (study) for the purpose of illustrating and illuminating the research principles under investigation. (Capability 1, 3, 4 and 5)
  6. Develop and demonstrate familiarity with sonic arts repertoire and literature aligned to and in contrast with individually negotiated creative projects as well as the ability to discuss and review expert domain sources in conference-style presentation format. (Capability 1, 2, 4 and 6)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Assignments - Pre-task 5% Individual Coursework
Assignments - Module 1 10% Individual Coursework
Assignments - Module 2 30% Individual Coursework
Presentation 15% Individual Coursework
Portfolio 40% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5 6
Assignments - Pre-task
Assignments - Module 1
Assignments - Module 2
Presentation
Portfolio

Pass Requirements

This course is assessed as 100% coursework. All assignments apart from the hand copying task are classed as compulsory coursework. Non-completion of any of these assignments will result in a DNC grade (did not complete). 

Assignments are to be submitted, according to submission type specified on CANVAS, by the due date. In the event of illness or other circumstances which prevent the completion of an assignment, please contact the course coordinator with evidence as appropriate, prior to the due date. Late assignments that do not have an approved extension will be penalised 10% for each day or part thereof. No assignment will be accepted after that assignment has been returned to students. 

Teaching & Learning Methods

Weekly and/or Modular Lectures: (seminar delivery)
Self-guided technical studies (online delivery)
Modular Group Tutorials (mixed delivery: lab/online)
Modular Individual Tutorials (online delivery)
Self-guided project work 

Learning Resources

All course readings are available via Reading Lists on Canvas, added week to week. Other Materials including scores and recordings also on Canvas and in class

Computer access for use of ProTools/Logic/Max: Students enrolled in MUS 315 will receive access to 250-215/216 (Composition Studios 1&2) during the hours of 7.30am-11.00pm weekdays and 8.00am-6.00pm weekends. Access cards should be automatically enabled by week 4 of semester. Students who experience difficulty with obtaining access to the composition studio should contact the NICAI Student Centre, Building 421, 26 Symonds St, Level 2. 

Students will require a smartphone or laptop and must have reliable home internet access. Computer workstations and relevant software will be made available to students in room 250-215 and 250-216; however, students who choose to work from home will be required to purchase a subscription to Max through www.cycling74.com 

Computer access for use of Sibelius: Faculty computers are available both at the School of Music Composition Studio 2, 250-215, 6 Symonds St, and at the Kenneth Meyers Centre, 820-118, 74 Shortland St. Additional computers are located in the Architecture building 421, 26 Symonds St, Level 5, Room 521. 

Remember, save your work frequently and always back up!

Use of Canvas is primarily for resources and submitting assignments. More complex materials can be submitted by Music Office with cover sheet in Building 250.

A Talis Reading List will be developed prior to commencement of Semester 2 and revised across the course as required. It will be linked through Canvas.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

For this course, you can expect 12 hours of lectures, 12 hours tutorials, 56 hours of reading and thinking about the content and 70 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation.

Digital Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website at http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html).

In the event of unexpected disruption

We undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions, the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. In the event of a disruption, the University and your course coordinators will make every effort to provide you with up to date information via Canvas and the University website.

Copyright Warning Notice

This material is protected by copyright and has been copied by and solely for the educational purposes of the University under license. You may not sell, alter or further reproduce or distribute any part of this course pack/material to any other person. Where provided to you in electronic format, you may only print from it for your own private study and research. Failure to comply with the terms of this warning may expose you to legal action for copyright infringement and/or disciplinary action by the University.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 09/07/2020 01:11 p.m.