Units / ATS3061
ATS3061 · The performing arts in Australia
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 3Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
The performing arts in Australia is representative of much more than the art itself: its meaning is also derived from the values that influence the conditions in which art is made. In order to better understand the place the performing arts holds in a national and global context, we will explore some of the cultural, social and political conditions, including government policy, that have shaped the development of the performing arts in Australia. Featuring case studies, interviews and examples, the workshop series examines key issues of inclusivity, equity, diversity, artistic vibrancy, cultural appropriation, multiculturalism, advocacy and leadership in order to deepen understanding of past and present performing arts practices.
Areas of study: Composition and music technology Ethnomusicology and musicology Music Music performance Critical performance studies
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | Second semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forum Posts and Moodle lesson completion | Exercise | 15% | — |
| 2 | Reflective Portfolio | Written | 25% | — |
| 3 | Written Report | Project | 30% | — |
| 4 | Group Project | Written | 30% | — |
Within semester assessment: 100%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- Identify and analyse the stylistic changes that have influenced the development of the performing arts in Australia;
- Explain how various socio-political values have shaped the performing arts and its practices in Australia;
- Critically evaluate how Australian artists and arts organisations are sustained, or challenged, by values and arts practices;
- Demonstrate research, writing, group work and oral communication skills.
Workload
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Tutorials | 24 hours |
| Lectures | 12 hours |
Ask about ATS3061
Answered from the Handbook fields above — no AI, no guessing. Every answer links back to the source.
Community discussions about ATS3061
CommunityStudent experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.