Music Language 1: the Diatonic World (MUSI10023)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Southbank) and On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Summer Term - On Campus
Semester 2 - On Campus
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An introduction to the fundamental principles of harmony and counterpoint as observed in the Western musical tradition.   

Students are expected to attain a sound understanding of the elements and processes of voice leading and diatonic harmonic functions, and be able to demonstrate this understanding through regular assignments in analysis and composition. 

Students should also gain familiarity with the Western canon through set works for listening and study. 

 

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • compose a coherent contrapuntal texture in two parts and solve common voice leading problems;
  • recognise different approaches to texture, form, and melody as appropriate to a variety of Western musical styles;
  • harmonise a melody in four parts, employing diatonic triads, seventh chords, applied dominants, and essential modulations to create cohesive and logical harmonic progressions;
  • realise a figured bass;
  • identify chord functions and analyse harmonic progressions.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should have developed:

  • analytical skills;
  • skills in evaluative thinking, and in the application of theoretical criteria to practical outcomes.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Students must meet one of the following prerequisite options:

Option 1 Music Students

Admission into one of the following: B-MUS Bachelor of Music, D-MUSIC Diploma in Music, GD-MUS Graduate Diploma in Music

OR

Option 2 Breadth Students

AMEB Grade 4 theory or equivalent

AND

PERMISSION OF THE COORDINATOR: Breadth students are required to Apply for Permission from the Subject Coordinator to enrol in this subject and should make this application via the online form at the Fine Arts and Music Current Students Page:

Link

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Eight short assignments comprising analytical and compositional tasks (equivalent to 350 words each)

  • 2800 words (equivalent)
Throughout the teaching period65%

Five 10-minute in-lecture online quizzes

  • 600 words (equivalent)
Throughout the teaching period15%

1-hour written examination

  • 800 words (equivalent)
During the examination period20%
Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 80% of all scheduled classes.N/A
Hurdle requirement: Students must submit all elements of assessment to be eligible for a pass in this subject. For the purposes of meeting this hurdle requirement, each submitted assessment must be complete and constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task. Submitting only part of an assessment (e.g. only the title page) or an assessment on an irrelevant topic will not meet this hurdle requirement.N/A

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Summer Term - On Campus
    CoordinatorIan Godfrey
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 hours, comprising 4-hours of lectures and 2-hours of tutorials per week.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 6 January 2025 to 14 February 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 January 2025
    Census date17 January 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 7 February 2025
    Assessment period ends24 February 2025

    Summer Term contact information

    Ian Godfrey: ibg@unimelb.edu.au 

    Please refer to the Eligibility and Requirements section for subject requisite information.

  • Semester 2 - On Campus
    CoordinatorMelody Eotvos
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Southbank)
    Contact hours36 hours, comprising two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week. Tutorials are available at both Southbank and Parkville campuses.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025
    Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025
    Census date 1 September 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 September 2025
    Assessment period ends21 November 2025

    Semester 2 contact information

    Melody Eotvos: melody.eotvos@unimelb.edu.au

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       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

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Last updated: 20 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 20 March 2025