This course introduces students to the process of thinking critically about musical and cultural questions and problems.

10 x 1 hr lectures and 10 x 2 hr seminars over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

MUSIC2001

Two 2000 word essays, worth 50% each.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The aim of this course is to facilitate the practice of sustained critical thinking with respect to fundamental musical and cultural ideas and assumptions. Students will also come to understand the role that critical thinking has in the field of musical and artistic practice.

By the end of the course students will be expected to be able to:
1. Analyse philosophical arguments, particularly in relation to music
2. Demonstrate critical thinking
3. Understand how philosophical concepts are formed and deployed
4. Demonstrate discrimination and precision in their use of philosophical concepts
5. Present, in both written and verbal form, coherent philosophical arguments relating to music and supply ample support for their positions through reference to published material
6. Formulate and respond to philosophical and cultural questions

7. Demonstrate familiarity with some of the key ideas in music aesthetics

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.