Music, Media & Contemporary Society II

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
MUSI 2009
Course ID icon
Course ID
204318
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
Elder Con Mus & Sch Perf Arts
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Luke Harrald
Course level icon
Course level
2
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes

Course overview

This course examines the use and meaning of music in a range of media contexts in contemporary society. It draws on examples of music media such as audio recordings, feature films, animated cartoons, television shows and advertisements, video games, radio, and background music. Part of the focus of the course is on the interconnectedness of musical practices brought about through music-oriented technology. This may be seen especially in the general impact of recording technology on all forms of music-making and consumption, but also in the business and promotional practices associated with the global music industry, and in issues related to music copyright. Throughout the course, an emphasis will be placed on developing students' ability to critically examine and discuss aspects of musical aesthetics, behaviour, function, and meaning.

Course learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate awareness and understanding of a wide range of contexts in which technology, aesthetics, and commerce interact in both the creation and consumption of music in contemporary society.
  • Demonstrate awareness and understanding of the extent to which the aesthetic and other meanings associated with music are influenced by 'extra musical' contexts in which music is created and consumed.
  • Development of music research skills and confidence in written communication.

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 04/09/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 21/08/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 18/09/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 16/10/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus East

Class number
Class number 50802
Section
Section LE01
Size
Size 70
Available
Available 69
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
5 Aug - 23 Sep Wednesday 10:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East Horace Lamb, 422
14 Oct - 11 Nov Wednesday 10:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East Horace Lamb, 422
Class number
Class number 50803
Section
Section TU01
Size
Size 70
Available
Available 69
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
6 Aug - 24 Sep Thursday 4:10pm - 5pm Adelaide City Campus East Barr Smith South, 1062
15 Oct - 12 Nov Thursday 4:10pm - 5pm Adelaide City Campus East Barr Smith South, 1062

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • Must not have completed MUSI3016 Music, Media & Contemporary Society III OR must not have completed MUSGEN2003 Music, Media & Contemporary Society II at the University of Adelaide

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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.