This course will introduce students to a range of source materials and will develop skills in the areas of disciplinary-specific methods and concepts. It will provide students an opportunity to complete an extended and focused piece of research on a musical topic. These topics can engage with a range of areas including current research projects of the school, collections held at national cultural institutions, and digital collections.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. apply research skills appropriate to their area of research, and understand the materials, critical, historical, and oral sources of music research;
2. work independently with minimal supervision;
3. analyse music from historical, contemporary, and cross-cultural contexts using sophisticated vocabulary and tools for speaking and writing critically about music; and
4. identify and communicate outcomes to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Additional Course Costs

In completing their research for this course students may incur additional costs, for example relating to attendance at performances or access to the internet. The specifics will depend upon the details of the student’s chosen topic.

Required Resources

Students will need access to a computer, reliable internet and Zoom capability for this class. Readings will be available in the ANU Library or provided in class or on the course Wattle site.

Recommended Resources

Selected Resources and References (on Wattle site)

Staff Feedback

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

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc.

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	Course Outline overview. Why we write about music? What is research design? What is musicology? Overview and exploration of essential music reference sources and research tools. Readings critical analysis class forum. Individual research topics round table.
2	Choosing a research topic. Research paradigm, methodology, methods and plan. Writing about music-concepts and terms. Locating relevant research sources. Readings critical analysis round table. Individual topic research workshop.
3	Refining and developing the research topic. Writing an annotated bibliography. Readings presentations. Individual research projects round table.
4	Types of research sources. Evaluating the state of research. Research topics and annotated bibliography presentations. Readings critical analysis round table.
5	Research sources evaluation. Writing research proposals. Individual selected research sources analysis presentations.
6	Research Essay writing. Research proposals-selected readings class forum. Individual research projects round table. Mid-semester student feedback.
7	Writer in profile (TBC). Draft research proposals class presentations.
8	Research Essay writing. Research essay selected readings class forum. Individual research projects and writing round table.	Research Proposal and Bibliography (15%)
9	Writer in profile (TBC). Research resources (cont.). Preparing oral presentations. Individual research projects and writing round table.
10	Research Essay writing. Drafts of research essay presentations. Individual research readings and writing round table.
11	Research Essay writing. Research essay readings and final drafts writing forum/workshop.	Research Project Oral Presentations (20%)
12	Research Essay writing. Semester wrap up.	Research Essay (65%)

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Research Proposal and Bibliography	15 %	29/09/2023	1-4
Research Project Oral Presentation	20 %	20/10/2023	1-4
Research Essay	65 %	27/10/2023	1-4

* 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
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• 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

Students are expected to apply active learning approaches in this course, including preparation of readings, participation in lecture/seminar and tutorial/workshop class forums and round table discussions and non-graded presentations.

Assessment Task 1

Research Proposal and Bibliography

Students are required to submit a detailed formal Research Proposal and Bibliography by the end of week 8. The Research Proposal should provide a well-structured and clear outline of the proposed research, including the main line/s of argument, as per course guidelines. The Research Proposal should be accompanied by an annotated bibliography of at least 15 sources that are to be used for the Research Essay. These should include a variety of primary, secondary and scholarly sources displaying both breadth and depth of research. Referencing and the bibliography should be formatted in Chicago Style 17 (notes and bibliography).

Word limit: 1000 words (bibliography separate).

Value: 15%. Presentation requirements: Uploaded to Turnitin, with cover sheet, and formatted in Chicago Style 17 (notes and bibliography).

Due: 29 September. Estimated return date: Week 10.

Assessment criteria:

1. Clarity and structure of written research proposal as per the course guidelines

2. Demonstrated understanding of the chosen research topic and evidence of well researched investigation, ideas, and analysis

3. Quality and originality of research questions

4. Evidence of ability to effectively use appropriate research resources and tools in the collection of sources relevant to the chosen research topic

5. Demonstrated ability to identify an appropriate research methodology and methods for the research project

6. Quality of primary, secondary and academic sources relevant to the chosen research topic

7. Demonstrated understanding of appropriate formatting of a formal bibliography and citation method in Chicago style

Assessment Task 2

Research Project Oral Presentation

Students are required to present their research findings in a 15-minute oral paper (+ 5 minutes questions). The presentation should outline your research project, including its aims, context, results and significance, in a clear and well-structured manner, as per course guidelines. Students are encouraged to utilise PowerPoint and/or other audio-visual aids to enhance the effectiveness of their presentations. Note: the presentations may be recorded. A printed copy of the presentation is to be provided to the Course Convenor/Lecturer.

Word limit: n/a.

Value: 20%.

Due: 20 October. Estimated return date: Week 12

Assessment criteria:

1. Clarity and organization in the oral presentation of the chosen research project, including its aims, questions, context, methodology, methods, results and significance

2. Evidence of individual research, critical analysis, and use, understanding and interpretation of primary, secondary and existing scholarly sources relevant to the chosen topic

3. Evidence of understanding and application of research methods in music relevant to the chosen research project

4. Overall quality of presentation, including visual and audio-visual examples and time limit

Assessment Task 3

Research Essay

The Research Essay is the formal written presentation of the research project and its findings. Specific approaches and presentation will depend on individual topics. The Research Essay should provide a clear, well-structured articulation of the chosen research project, including aims, questions, context, methodology and substantiated research thesis/position and argument, as per course guidelines.

Word limit: 4000 words.

Value: 65 %. Presentation requirements: Uploaded to Turnitin, with cover sheet, and formatted in Chicago Style 17 (notes and bibliography).

Due: 27 October. Estimated return date: 20 November.

Assessment criteria:

1. Clarity and structure of articulation of the chosen research project, including aims, questions, context, methodology, methods, results and significance as per course guidelines

2. Quality of individual investigation, critical analysis, and use, understanding and interpretation of primary, secondary and existing scholarly sources relevant to the chosen topic

3. Understanding and application of research methods in music relevant to the chosen research project

4. Articulation of a well-developed, cohesive and substantiated research argument relevant to the chosen topic         

5. Quality of academic writing and referencing

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.

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.

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.

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 all ANU students