KMB127 Music Studies
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | KMB127 |
|---|---|
| Assumed Knowledge: | Assumed basic knowledge of music fundamentals. |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $1,020 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,704 |
| International unit fee | $4,944 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | KMB127 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Assumed basic knowledge of music fundamentals. |
| Coordinator: | Gavin Carfoot | gavin.carfoot@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit develops students' ability to understand and articulate music's role in cultural, social, and industry contexts, building critical thinking skills essential for informed creative practice. Students explore diverse musical traditions including Australian First Peoples' music, examining how globalisation, technology, race, gender, and economics shape music production and consumption. The unit connects scholarly analysis with practical application, helping students position their own creative work within broader cultural conversations and industry trends.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Ability to critically assess concepts and perspectives of music and sound.
- Demonstrate an awareness of social, historical, technological, economic, and political influences on music.
- Apply critical thinking skills to analyse and interpret music in cultural contexts.
Content
You will examine music through interdisciplinary lenses including cultural studies, media analysis, musicology, ethnomusicology, and industry economics. Case studies span traditional and contemporary practices, exploring how artists navigate cultural appropriation, authenticity, and commercial pressures. The unit investigates music's role in social movements, identity formation, and community building, while analysing how streaming platforms, social media, and global distribution have transformed artist-audience relationships. You will learn to apply some of these critical frameworks to your own creative practice, developing skills in cultural analysis, research methodology, and professional communication that support sustainable music careers.
Learning Approaches
You will engage in seminar-style discussions, collaborative research projects, and critical analysis exercises that connect theory with practice. Group presentations simulate conference and industry panel formats, while individual research projects will help you develop skills in cultural analysis and professional writing. You will have opportunities to bring your own diverse musical and creative interests into the learning activities, and the assessment promotes inclusive perspectives and cross-cultural understanding. Regular reflection exercises help you to connect scholarly learning with your developing creative practice and career aspirations.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive both formative and summative assessment in this unit. Tutorials are focussed on offering formative feedback from teaching staff and peers as you investigate and discuss issues, methods and approaches to the study of music. Feedforward is provided on draft written work before final submission, and feedback on summative assessment items is aligned with the criteria used for assessment.
Assessment
Overview
The first assessment item is a group task in which students provide critical commentary on concepts and issues in music, connecting this critique with a diverse range musical traditions and contexts. The second assessment task requires students to write a weekly peer review on each group presentation. The third assessment item is a critical essay that is completed individually, focusing on an aspect of music in its cultural, political and social contexts. In the essay assessment item, students will also receive feedforward on an essay draft, offering the ability to develop and refine their work prior to final submission.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Group presentation
In this assessment item, you will explore a range of commentary including scholarly literature, films, podcasts and industry literature related to weekly topics. In groups, you will respond to one of the weekly lectures by constructing an argument that demonstrates a broader understanding of music in its social and cultural contexts.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Critical reflection and peer review
In this assessment item, you will provide a short critical reflection on the ideas and concepts covered in each group presentation between weeks 5 and 11.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Assessment: Individual essay
In this assessment item, you will explore and discuss a practitioner and a representative work in its political, social and cultural context.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages (CIESJ Tier 1 HSE requirement).
Resources
Online readings and listening activities will be supplied through Course Readings and the unit’s Canvas site.
Resource Materials
Other
To enable your full participation in the virtual learning environment, for example, participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.
Risk Assessment Statement
For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information.
Where substantial computer-based work is required, particularly in the case of fully online students, you are recommended to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.
The study of music in its historical, social, political and cultural context explores a wide range of topics and themes, some of which may touch upon sensitive or triggering subjects. Please be aware that this unit may contain content that could potentially trigger or upset individuals. These triggering topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Sexual assault or violence
- Self-harm or suicide
- Substance abuse or addiction
- Eating disorders or body dysmorphia
- Mental health conditions or trauma
- Racism, discrimination, or hate speech
- Religious or political extremism
- Domestic or child abuse
- Loss or grief
- War or conflict
QUT counselling support is available should you feel the need to avail yourself of these services
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.CA01 Bachelor of Creative Arts
- Cite and discuss a broad and coherent knowledge of historical and contemporary cultural contexts for creative practice, including the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Group presentation, Critical reflection and peer review, Individual essay - Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Group presentation, Individual essay - Communicate, represent, and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
Relates to: ULO2, Group presentation, Individual essay - Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Group presentation, Critical reflection and peer review, Individual essay - Work productively as a leader and collaborator in disciplinary and interdisciplinary practices.
Relates to: ULO2, Group presentation, Individual essay - Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Group presentation, Critical reflection and peer review, Individual essay - Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Group presentation, Critical reflection and peer review, Individual essay - Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Group presentation, Critical reflection and peer review, Individual essay
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Online
| Unit code: | KMB127 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Assumed basic knowledge of music fundamentals. |
Overview
This unit develops students' ability to understand and articulate music's role in cultural, social, and industry contexts, building critical thinking skills essential for informed creative practice. Students explore diverse musical traditions including Australian First Peoples' music, examining how globalisation, technology, race, gender, and economics shape music production and consumption. The unit connects scholarly analysis with practical application, helping students position their own creative work within broader cultural conversations and industry trends.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Ability to critically assess concepts and perspectives of music and sound.
- Demonstrate an awareness of social, historical, technological, economic, and political influences on music.
- Apply critical thinking skills to analyse and interpret music in cultural contexts.
Content
You will examine music through interdisciplinary lenses including cultural studies, media analysis, musicology, ethnomusicology, and industry economics. Case studies span traditional and contemporary practices, exploring how artists navigate cultural appropriation, authenticity, and commercial pressures. The unit investigates music's role in social movements, identity formation, and community building, while analysing how streaming platforms, social media, and global distribution have transformed artist-audience relationships. You will learn to apply some of these critical frameworks to your own creative practice, developing skills in cultural analysis, research methodology, and professional communication that support sustainable music careers.
Learning Approaches
You will engage in seminar-style discussions, collaborative research projects, and critical analysis exercises that connect theory with practice. Group presentations simulate conference and industry panel formats, while individual research projects will help you develop skills in cultural analysis and professional writing. You will have opportunities to bring your own diverse musical and creative interests into the learning activities, and the assessment promotes inclusive perspectives and cross-cultural understanding. Regular reflection exercises help you to connect scholarly learning with your developing creative practice and career aspirations.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive both formative and summative assessment in this unit. Tutorials are focussed on offering formative feedback from teaching staff and peers as you investigate and discuss issues, methods and approaches to the study of music. Feedforward is provided on draft written work before final submission, and feedback on summative assessment items is aligned with the criteria used for assessment.
Assessment
Overview
The first assessment item is a group task in which students provide critical commentary on concepts and issues in music, connecting this critique with a diverse range musical traditions and contexts. The second assessment task requires students to write a weekly peer review on each group presentation. The third assessment item is a critical essay that is completed individually, focusing on an aspect of music in its cultural, political and social contexts. In the essay assessment item, students will also receive feedforward on an essay draft, offering the ability to develop and refine their work prior to final submission.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Group presentation
In this assessment item, you will explore a range of commentary including scholarly literature, films, podcasts and industry literature related to weekly topics. In groups, you will respond to one of the weekly lectures by constructing an argument that demonstrates a broader understanding of music in its social and cultural contexts.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Critical reflection and peer review
In this assessment item, you will provide a short critical reflection on the ideas and concepts covered in each group presentation between weeks 5 and 11.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Assessment: Individual essay
In this assessment item, you will explore and discuss a practitioner and a representative work in its political, social and cultural context.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages (CIESJ Tier 1 HSE requirement).
Resources
Online readings and listening activities will be supplied through Course Readings and the unit’s Canvas site.
Resource Materials
Other
To enable your full participation in the virtual learning environment, for example, participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.
Risk Assessment Statement
For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information.
Where substantial computer-based work is required, particularly in the case of fully online students, you are recommended to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.
The study of music in its historical, social, political and cultural context explores a wide range of topics and themes, some of which may touch upon sensitive or triggering subjects. Please be aware that this unit may contain content that could potentially trigger or upset individuals. These triggering topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Sexual assault or violence
- Self-harm or suicide
- Substance abuse or addiction
- Eating disorders or body dysmorphia
- Mental health conditions or trauma
- Racism, discrimination, or hate speech
- Religious or political extremism
- Domestic or child abuse
- Loss or grief
- War or conflict
QUT counselling support is available should you feel the need to avail yourself of these services
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.CA01 Bachelor of Creative Arts
- Cite and discuss a broad and coherent knowledge of historical and contemporary cultural contexts for creative practice, including the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Group presentation, Critical reflection and peer review, Individual essay - Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Group presentation, Individual essay - Communicate, represent, and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
Relates to: ULO2, Group presentation, Individual essay - Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Group presentation, Critical reflection and peer review, Individual essay - Work productively as a leader and collaborator in disciplinary and interdisciplinary practices.
Relates to: ULO2, Group presentation, Individual essay - Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Group presentation, Critical reflection and peer review, Individual essay - Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Group presentation, Critical reflection and peer review, Individual essay - Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Group presentation, Critical reflection and peer review, Individual essay