Key facts
UNE unit code: MUSI339
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Studying global music history provides insight into the cultural, social and political development of music worldwide, and awareness of current issues in the practice and preservation of intangible cultural heritage.
When studying this unit you will focus on new trends in post-Eurocentric music history. Through a series of case studies from antiquity to the present day, you will explore new approaches and methods for engaging with the diverse histories of the world’s music.
You will learn about early encounters between musical cultures and processes of synthesis and syncretism in Central Asia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, the Americas and other contexts through engagement with a diverse array of musical, archaeological, and documentary evidence and secondary literature.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- identify key concepts and issues in global music history;
- demonstrate an understanding of the cultural, technological and epistemological contents of music in global history;
- discuss and evaluate the role of travel, colonialism, post-colonialism, nationalism and globalisation in the global history of music; and
- develop information literacy and investigative skills relevant to the practice of global music history.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Response Paper | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Response to set readings No. Words: 1000 |
| Assessment 2: Literature Review | Yes | 35% | All offerings | Evaluate literature on a selected topic No. Words: 2000 |
| Assessment 3: Research Question Workshop | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Online peer workshop of research essay questions No. Words: 500 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 4: Essay | Yes | 35% | All offerings | Research essay No. Words: 2000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Studies on a Global History of Music: A Balzan Musicology Project
ISBN: 9781138058835
Strohm, R., Routledge 1st ed. 2018
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
The Cambridge History of World Music
ISBN: 9781108406475
Bohlman, P.V. (ed.), Cambridge University Press 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
What happens next?
Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.
2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
