Faculty of Arts

Undergraduate - Unit


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6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL


FacultyFaculty of Arts
Organisational UnitSir Zelman Cowen School of Music
OfferedClayton First semester 2013 (Day)
Coordinator(s)Mr Jordan Murray


This unit is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of popular songwriting. The unit will include weekly lectures focusing on popular composition and creative writing. It also examines context, methodology and the history of song. Included will be visiting artists from the profession and critical feedback.


Upon successful completion of this unit, students will :

  1. Gain a systematic and comprehensive knowledge of strategies and form used in popular songwriting.
  2. Develop an ability to analyse and contextualise the students own songs.
  3. Critically evaluate popular song.
  4. Articulate strategies used by songwriters to convey ideas.


Written assignment(1600 words): 35%
Composition folio (equivalent of 1600 words): 35%
Written exam (equivalent of 1300 words): 30%

Chief examiner(s)

Contact hours

Two hours per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study