Each of the major specialised areas of music research (performance; composition, arranging, and sound design; and musicology, ethnomusicology, and music curatorship) have their own methodological traditions, and commonly applied conceptual approaches. While these musical fields certainly have different profiles and orientations, they nevertheless share some important issues and common methodological ground.

This course challenges the tendencies of fragmentation in music research where academic and artistic research is developed within different spheres. It will explore the nexus between various areas of musical scholarship giving students the opportunity to actively engage with, and critique, a key approaches to research.
 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Upon successful completion of this course, student will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand and evaluate basic research methods in music across the many sub-disciplines in music.
2. Apply a range of basic perspectives to music-related research and understand the symbiotic relationship between research and practice.
3. Integrate understandings of basic research methods with the student's own musical areas of study.
4. Communicate and debate basic themes, concepts and theories with peers.

Research-Led Teaching

This course engages with current theoretical and methodological topics in music research and builds students' skills as researchers.

Field Trips

N/A

Required Resources

Weekly readings and other resources will be made available via the course Wattle site.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to the whole class
• groups and individuals

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Please note that attendance at a minimum of 9 Research Seminars is a hurdle requirement for passing this course.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Course introduction, goals and expectations
2	Research skills
3	Historical Musicology
4	Topic TBC
5	Performance Studies	Critical respondent presentation
6	Artistic Research	Critical respondent presentation
7	Ethnomusicology	Critical respondent presentation
8	Interviewing and Observation	Critical respondent presentation
9	Music Analysis	Critical respondent presentation
10	Popular Musicology	Critical respondent presentation
11	Peer review session	Research presentations
12	Final reflection and student presentations	Annotated bibliography with bibliographic essay Research presentations

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Critical Respondent Presentation	25 %	*	*	1, 2, 4
Annotated Bibliography with Bibliographic Essay	50 %	01/06/2019	16/06/2019	1, 2, 3
Research Presentation	25 %	*	*	1, 2, 3

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Please note that participation in a minimum of 9 Research Seminars is a hurdle requirement for passing this course.

Assessment Task 1

Critical Respondent Presentation

Present a critical response to the readings and lead an in-class discussion. Submit a 250 word summary of the discussion on Wattle.

Value: 25%

Presentation requirements:

• Critical respondent presentations will be due in weeks 5-10
• Your one-page summary of the discussion of due (via Turnitin) by 4 pm on the Monday following the discussion.

Estimated return date: Within two weeks of presentation 

Assessment Criteria:

1. Understanding of the topic and evidence of preparation
2. Demonstrated ability to analyse and critique key issues and debates within music research/creative practice
3. Demonstrated ability to encourage discussion relevant to the chosen topic

Rubric

Grade	Letter Grade	Numerical Mark (%)	Standards
High Distinction	HD	80-100	Work of exceptional quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level
Distinction	D	70-79	Work of superior quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level
Credit	C	60-69	Work of good quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level
Pass	P	50-59	Work of satisfactory quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level
Fail	N	0-49	Work in which the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level has not been demonstrated

Assessment Task 2

Annotated Bibliography with Bibliographic Essay

Prepare an annotated bibliography and bibliographic essay on a music research topic of your choice, as approved by the course Convenor. This assessment consists of two parts:

1. The bibliography, using Chicago style, must include annotations of at least 15 sources. Keep the following in mind when selecting and evaluating sources, and writing your annotation:
2. Demonstrate the effective use of appropriate research resources.
3. Demonstrate your ability to effectively evaluate the authority and relevance of these sources.
4. In a bibliographic essay of approximately 3000 words, discuss and evaluate these sources identifying major theme, strengths, limitations and gaps in the literature. Consider the following questions:
5. How do you define your area of research?
6. What are the most important themes that have been addressed by scholars/creative practitioners working in the area?
7. How might you categorise the different approaches to research/creative practice in the area?
8. What gaps have you identified in your area of research? What questions remain to be explored?

Word limit:

• 3000 words for the essay

Value: 50%

Presentation requirements:

• Chicago style referencing
• Assessment submitted as a single word file via Turnitin

Estimated return date: Within two weeks of submission

Assessment Criteria:

1. Evidence of a thorough and organised approach to literature review
2. Demonstrated ability to synthesise and evaluate resources from relevant areas of research/creative practice
3. Demonstrated ability to analyse and critique key issues and debates within music research/creative practice
4. Demonstrated understanding and application of academic writing and referencing – in Chicago style

Rubric

Grade	Letter Grade	Numerical Mark (%)	Standards
High Distinction	HD	80-100	Work of exceptional quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level
Distinction	D	70-79	Work of superior quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level
Credit	C	60-69	Work of good quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level
Pass	P	50-59	Work of satisfactory quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level
Fail	N	0-49	Work in which the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level has not been demonstrated

Assessment Task 3

Research Presentation

This 15-minute presentation, with 5 minutes for questions, should provide an overview of your area of investigation, drawing on evidence from your annotated bibliography.

Value: 25%

Presentation requirements:

• 15-minute presentation, with 5 minutes for questions, to be conducted in class during weeks 10-12

Estimated return date: Within two weeks of presentation 

Assessment Criteria:

1. Clarity and organisation of oral presentation
2. Ideas supported with evidence from relevant areas of music research/creative practice
3. Demonstrated ability to analyse and critique key issues and debates within music research/creative practice
4. Articulation of argument, depth of investigation and level of criticality

Rubric

Grade	Letter Grade	Numerical Mark (%)	Standards
High Distinction	HD	80-100	Work of exceptional quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level
Distinction	D	70-79	Work of superior quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level
Credit	C	60-69	Work of good quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level
Pass	P	50-59	Work of satisfactory quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level
Fail	N	0-49	Work in which the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level has not been demonstrated

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations. Note that late presentations are not accepted, and will receive a mark of zero. 

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Student work will be returned through Turnitin with instructor comments. Students who wish to receive additional feedback on assignments should make an appointment to see the instructor. 

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Assignments may not be resubmitted. 

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students