CQUniversity Unit Profile
MUSC14048 History of Music Theatre
History of Music Theatre
All details in this unit profile for MUSC14048 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

In this unit you will study the history of music theatre from the late nineteenth century to the present day. You will analyse important primary source materials as you study the various changes that occurred in music theatre style, form and performance practice. You will also contextualise these developments within the important technological, social and political movements of this period.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 2
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Anti-Requisite for Term 1 2017 only: THTR12123 Theatre Studies 1

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2018

Distance

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student evaluations

Feedback

Assessment topics

Recommendation

The unit coordinator to consider the assessment topics to ensure students have ample resources available to complete each topic.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Critically evaluate the principal stylistic characteristics of music theatre forms and performance practice from the late nineteenth century to the present day
  2. Analyse and evaluate the effect of important technological, social and political movements on the development of music theatre forms and performance practice from the late nineteenth century to the present day
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2
1 - Written Assessment - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Written Assessment - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 40%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Musical theatre: An appreciation

Edition: 2nd edn (2017)
Authors: Alyson McLamore
Taylor and Francis
London London , UK
ISBN: 9781138678682
Binding: Paperback

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Judith Brown Unit Coordinator
j.brown@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 05 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Topic 1: Operetta in the 19th century

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 12 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Topic 2: Early 20th century music theatre

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 19 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Topic 3: Early book musicals

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 26 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Topic 4: Book musicals of the early 1940s

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 02 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Topic 4: Book musicals of the early 1940s

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Analysis assignment Due: Week 5 Friday (6 Apr 2018) 11:45 pm AEST
Vacation Week Begin Date: 09 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 16 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Topic 5: New partnerships

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 23 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Topic 6: Music theatre of the 1940s and 1950s

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 30 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Topic 7: Music theatre of the 1960s and 1970s

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 07 May 2018

Module/Topic

Topic 8: The late 20th century and beyond

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Analysis assignment Due: Week 9 Friday (11 May 2018) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 14 May 2018

Module/Topic

Topic 8: The late 20th century and beyond

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 21 May 2018

Module/Topic

Topic 9: Australian music theatre

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 28 May 2018

Module/Topic

Revision

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 04 Jun 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Research assignment Due: Review/Exam Week Monday (4 June 2018) 11:45 pm AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 11 Jun 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Analysis assignment

Task Description

Length: 1500 - 2000 words

Topic: Operetta and its links to the book musical

Compare and contrast one operetta from the 19th century/early 20th century by Gilbert and Sullivan, Franz Lehar or Johann Strauss Jnr with any book musical written in the 1940s or 1950s. The assignment must be based on the stage version of these musicals. As part of this analysis of these two pieces of music theatre consider the following characteristics and their differences and similarities:

  • the plot and structure of the works
  • the types of characters and their relationships
  • the styles of music sung by each of the main characters
  • role of the chorus
  • use of dance

Assignment presentation:

  • Use 12 point Times New Roman font
  • 1.5 spacing for the body of the assignment
  • You may use sub-headings to organise your assignment clearly
  • You should refer to Youtube clips to demonstrate aspects of your discussion
  • You should include excerpts from the score and script to demonstrate aspects of your discussion
  • Include in-text references
  • Include a comprehensive reference list in APA style
  • All excerpts from URLs for film excerpts, music scores, diagrams and pictures should include an in-text reference, and full details included in the Reference List.


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Friday (6 Apr 2018) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 7 Friday (27 Apr 2018)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

  • Appropriate introduction and conclusion (10%)
  • Detailed comparison of the plot and structure of the works (10%)
  • Detailed comparison of the characters and their relationships (15%)
  • Detailed comparison of the music sung by each of the main characters (15%)
  • Detailed comparison of the role of the chorus in the two works (15%)
  • Detailed comparison of the use of dance in the two works (15%)
  • Accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar; clarity of writing style (10%)
  • Correct use of academic referencing for in-text references and reference list (10%)


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit online through the Moodle website for this unit.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Critically evaluate the principal stylistic characteristics of music theatre forms and performance practice from the late nineteenth century to the present day
  • Analyse and evaluate the effect of important technological, social and political movements on the development of music theatre forms and performance practice from the late nineteenth century to the present day


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Analysis assignment

Task Description

Length: 1500 - 2000 words

Juke-box musicals and biographical musicals have become a phenomena in music theatre since the late 20th century, incorporating many styles of popular songs that were not originally written for the musical. Choose 4 different juke-box or biographical musicals (including at least one written/produced by an Australian) and discuss:

  • How the songs within each musical have changed (if at all) from their original context of a popular song to becoming songs within a musical (think about possible changes to the musical style, lyrics, arrangement)
  • How the songs have been used in the musical (do the songs develop character and plot, are they used as spectacle, or a combination of both).

To support your discussion, include URLs of Youtube performances of these songs in their original pop song context and also within the juke-box or biographical musical, as well as excerpts from lyrics as appropriate.

Assignment presentation:

  • Use 12 point Times New Roman font
  • 1.5 spacing for the body of the assignment
  • You may use sub-headings to organise your assignment clearly
  • Include in-text references
  • Include a comprehensive reference list in APA style including the Youtube clips and excerpts from the lyrics.


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Friday (11 May 2018) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Friday (25 May 2018)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

  • Appropriate introduction and conclusion (5%)
  • Musical 1: Accuracy of information and depth of discussion (20%)
  • Musical 2: Accuracy of information and depth of discussion (20%)
  • Musical 3: Accuracy of information and depth of discussion (20%)
  • Musical 4: Accuracy of information and depth of discussion (20%)
  • Accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar; clarity of writing (7.5%)
  • Correct use of academic referencing for in-text references and reference list (7.5%)


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit online on the Moodle website for this unit.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Critically evaluate the principal stylistic characteristics of music theatre forms and performance practice from the late nineteenth century to the present day
  • Analyse and evaluate the effect of important technological, social and political movements on the development of music theatre forms and performance practice from the late nineteenth century to the present day


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Research assignment

Task Description

Length: 2000 - 2500 words

Discuss the innovations that have occurred in music theatre in the latter half of the 20th century. You should include specific references to at least 5 different writers and their musicals that have changed the format of music theatre from the integrated musical of the 1950s. Please refer only to stage versions of musicals, not film versions. Do not include juke-box musicals or biographical musicals in your discussion. Innovations that you should discuss include:

  • Style/organisation of the plot
  • Cultural diversity & themes explored in the musicals
  • Staging (not to include the film version of musicals)
  • Music style & instrumentation

Assignment presentation:

  • Use 12 point Times New Roman font
  • 1.5 spacing for the body of the assignment
  • You may use sub-headings to organise your assignment clearly
  • You should refer to Youtube clips to demonstrate aspects of your discussion
  • You should include excerpts from the score and script to demonstrate aspects of your discussion
  • Include in-text references
  • Include a comprehensive reference list in APA style
  • All excerpts from URLs for film excerpts, music scores, diagrams and pictures should include an in-text reference, and full details included in the Reference List.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Monday (4 June 2018) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (15 June 2018)


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

  • Appropriate introduction and conclusion (10%)
  • Musical 1: Depth of treatment & support of argument (15%)
  • Musical 2: Depth of treatment & support of argument (15%)
  • Musical 3: Depth of treatment & support of argument (15%)
  • Musical 4: Depth of treatment & support of argument (15%)
  • Musical 5: Depth of treatment & support of argument (15%)
  • Accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar; clarity of presentation (7.5%)
  • Correct use of academic referencing for in-text references and reference list (7.5%)


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit online through the Moodle unit website.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Critically evaluate the principal stylistic characteristics of music theatre forms and performance practice from the late nineteenth century to the present day
  • Analyse and evaluate the effect of important technological, social and political movements on the development of music theatre forms and performance practice from the late nineteenth century to the present day


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?