This course investigates contemporary theoretical approaches in music research. It focuses on developing conceptual tools for understanding the history, structure, and significance of music over time and across cultures. The course explores key issues in music research that have stimulated debate and reflection over time. It assists students to explore those issues, developing skills in critical analysis and music research design. 

Learning Outcomes

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

1. understand and evaluate a range of theoretical approaches in music research;
2. apply theoretical approaches in their own research and writing;
3. examine music from historical, contemporary, and cross-cultural contexts using discipline relevant vocabulary and tools for speaking and writing critically about music; and
4. communicate and debate a range of themes, concepts and theories with peers.

Required Resources

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

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying remotely, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

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

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, 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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introductions and course overview
2	Music, society, and the individual
3	Phonomusicology
4	Music and gender	Bring hard copy of your abstract draft to class for peer review activity
5	Music, meaning, and emotion	Abstract due, submit through Wattle
6	Voice
7	Music and race
8	Research Symposium	Research presentation
9	Peer feedback session	Bring draft of research paper to seminar for peer feedback
10	Musical instruments and material culture	Research paper due
11	Music, health, and wellbeing
12	Final reflection

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Participation	10 %	*	*	3,4
Abstract	15 %	24/08/2021	09/09/2021	1,2,3
Research Presentation	25 %	29/09/2022	13/10/2022	1,2,3
Research Paper	50 %	12/10/2021	26/10/2021	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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Academic Skills 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

See Assessment Task 1

Attendance at a minimum of nine Research Seminars is a hurdle requirement for passing this course. 

Assessment Task 1

Participation

Active participation is essential for this course. You should prepare for class meetings by completing the assigned readings and taking thorough notes. You are expected to actively contribute to in-class activities. You are also expected to listen actively to other students’ ideas, and to respond constructively and thoughtfully.

Value: 10%

Assessment criteria: (See the course Wattle site for detailed assessment rubric)

• Frequency of participation in discussions and other in-class activities
• Evidence of preparation
• Evidence of listening skills

Hurdle requirement: The School of Music Research Seminar is held on Thursday from 3:30- 5 pm. In addition to participation in the Scholar Musician Seminar (Thursday 2-3:30) attendance at a minimum of nine Research Seminars is a hurdle requirement for passing this course.

Rubric

High Distinction	Distinction	Credit	Pass	Fail
Participated in over 90% of in-class activities. Demonstrated exceptional preparation and listening skills.	Participated in over 70% of in-class activities. Demonstrated superior preparation and listening skills.	Participated in over 60% of in-class activities. Demonstrated good preparation and listening skills.	Participated in over 50% of in-class activities. Demonstrated adequate preparation and listening skills.	Participated in less than 50% of in-class activities. Demonstrated inadequate preparation and listening skills.

Assessment Task 2

Abstract

Write an abstract for your research presentation, observing conventions for abstract writing as discussed in seminars.

Assessment Criteria: (See the course Wattle site for detailed assessment rubric)

1. Clarity and organisation of ideas
2. Articulation of research objectives, methods, and significance
3. Demonstrated understanding and application of academic writing and referencing

Word limit: 250 words

Value: 15%

Estimated return date: Within two weeks of the date of submission

Rubric

Grade	Letter	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

The research presentation should articulate the key findings of your research project, drawing on appropriate evidence. The presentation should provide insight into current concepts and theories in music research.

Assessment Criteria: (See course Wattle site for detailed assessment rubric)

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

Duration: 15 minutes

Value: 25%

Presentation requirements: The research presentation will take place during the Research Symposium during the second half of the semester (date TBC).

Estimated return date: Within two weeks of date of presentation. 

Rubric

Grade	Letter	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 Name

Assessment Task 4

Research Paper

Details of task: This assessment task asks you to apply the ideas from one (or more) of the course readings to a current or historical example. You are expected to critically examine the concepts or theories discussed in the reading and consider how they can inform an understanding of the chosen musical example or case study. You must employ your research skills to write an essay that demonstrates your comprehension of the course material and provides informative and compelling analysis of your chosen example.

Assessment Criteria: (See course Wattle site for detailed assessment rubric)

1. Demonstrated ability to analyse and critique key issues and debates within music research/creative practice
2. Ideas supported with evidence from relevant areas of music research/creative practice
3. Articulation of argument, depth of investigation and level of criticality
4. Demonstrated understanding and application of academic writing and referencing

Word count: 3000 words

Value: 50%

Estimated return date: Within two weeks of date of presentation. 

Rubric

Grade	Letter	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. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

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

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. 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: Late presentations are not accepted and will receive a mark of zero.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Student work will be returned through Turnitin with instructor comments. Students who wish to receive additional feedback on assignments should come to the instructor’s consultation hours. 

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 Access 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