A distinguishing characteristic of research in the creative arts, including performance, composition, and the creative aspects of music technology, is that the outputs of the research can be creative outputs, such as a recital, or a portfolio of compositions, or a new technological process. This course provides all researchers in music with an introduction to the theories and methods underpinning creative practice as research, drawing on written studies on creative practice as research, exegeses, creative outputs, and case studies. For musicologists, the course will provide understandings and tools for them to take creative practice into consideration in their own research, and for creative practitioners it will provide understandings and tools for the writing of an exegesis.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. understand and articulate the concept of creative practice as research;
2. critically evaluate the writings of others on creative practice;
3. analyse, using a range of theories and methods, a range of creative outputs as research outputs; and
4. articulate, both orally and in writing, the original contribution of those creative outputs.

Research-Led Teaching

This is one of the core artistic research courses of the Honours and HDR programs at the School of Music. The content and format of this course represent extensive engagement with the current and dynamic international discourse on artistic research. Students will be engaging with currently unfolding topics and ideas, and working to create meaningful contributions to knowledge through their creative practices.

Field Trips

Students will be encouraged to attend concerts, art galleries, and other performances, as well as seminars and other activities at the School of Music and elsewhere around the university.

Required Resources

A small notebook (fits in your pocket); a large notebook (ideally graph paper); pens and pencils; internet-ready computer with appropriate software. All class readings will be provided electronically 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 (via Wattle and Teams)
• 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.

Other Information

Recycling of Material:

Recycling 'is the submission for assessment of work which, wholly or in large part, has been previously presented by the same student for another assessment, either at the Australian National University or elsewhere' (Code of Practice for Student Academic Integrity https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_000392, paragraph 2). Students may include material that has been submitted for assessment in this course in THES4105 Thesis, MUSI4410 Music Honours Exegesis, or in MUSI4411 Music Honours Extended Exegesis.

The schedule of topics for this course is indicative and may be amended, subject to the availability of guest speakers.

Referencing and bibliographic entries should be formatted in Chicago Style. References should be provided wherever material from another source has been used. This includes:

• Direct quotations of the words of another writer
• The paraphrasing of the ideas of another writer
• Summaries of arguments presented by another writer

For details on the formatting of footnotes and bibliographic entries, consult the following:

• The Chicago Manual of Style Online, “Chicago-Style Citation Quick Guide,” University of Chicago, 2007. http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre website: https://academicskills.anu.edu.au/

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	What is creative practice research and why do we do it? And why are we doing it here?	Set readings and group discussion
2	Articulating questions, topics and objectives	Set readings and group discussion
3	Scoping and locating the project in context(s)	Set readings and group discussion
4	Methodologies in creative practice research	Set readings and group discussion
5	Negotiating and adapting theory from other disciplines	Set readings and group discussion
6	Documentation, dissemination and returning research to practice – closing the loop	Set readings and group discussion; Assessment 1: Weeks 1-6 Participation and Journal Entries
7	Reporting on your research - crafting your research statement	Crit Presentations
8	Creative practice research culture(s) in Australia	Crit Presentations
9	Guest speaker (TBC)	Crit Presentations
10	Guest speaker (TBC)	Assessment 2: Weeks 7-10 Participation and Crit Presentation
11	Student presentations	Assessment 3: Research Presentation
12	Student presentations	Assessment 3: Research Presentation; Assessment 4: Research Statement

Tutorial Registration

Students enrolled in MUSI4404 are in workshop A and students enrolled in MUSI8011 are in workshop B.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Weeks 1-6 Participation and Journal Entries (25%)	25 %	03/04/2023	17/04/2023	1,2,3,4
Weeks 7-10 Participation and Crit Presentation (20%)	20 %	15/05/2023	27/05/2023	1,2,3,4
Research Presentation (40%)	40 %	18/05/2023	*	1,2,3,4
Research Statement (15%)	15 %	02/06/2023	*	1,2,3,4

* 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
• 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

Students are expected to attend and actively participate in weekly seminars and workshops, as well as a weekly School of Music research seminar (Thursday afternoons) and composition seminar (Friday afternoons). Participation is part of the assessment criteria for Assessments 1 and 2.

Assessment Task 1

Weeks 1-6 Participation and Journal Entries (25%)

During weeks 1-6 we will be engaging with a range of topics related to artistic research and discussing assigned readings and case studies. During each of these weeks you will be asked to read and review materials before class, attend course seminars and workshops, and actively participate in class as well as online via Teams. 

This assessment calls for a journal entry for each of these six weeks in which you discuss and unpack the topics and materials from the given week and, connect them to your own research - also drawing on at least one additional source/resource. How are these ideas and materials helping to shape your own work and your ongoing artistic research? What connections can you draw between practices and concepts? 

These six ~400-word journal entries should be compiled into a single Word document. Each entry should be referenced using Chicago Style with its own bibliography.

If you do not currently have a creative practice, an alternative model should be discussed with the Course Convenor. This might involve the study of the creative work of another artist, or an imagined practice based on/creative presentation of your musicological research.

Assessment Submission

• Word document with separate entries (~400 words each) for each of the first six weeks, each with a Chicago Style bibliography 

Assessment Criteria

• Attendance and active participation in weekly seminars and workshops, and online via the course ‘Team’
• Demonstrated understanding of weekly topics and readings 
• Development of connections between the weekly topics and readings and your own research 
• Development of effective connections between weekly readings and topics and at least one additional relevant resources per journal entry
• Clarity of writing and appropriate use of references

Assessment Task 2

Weeks 7-10 Participation and Crit Presentation (20%)

In your workshop in week 7, 8, 9, or 10 you will be asked to give a ~10min presentation on your research project. This is not necessarily a formal presentation, but a summary and window into your creative research process, activities and plans. 

Given how early in the project this is likely to be, you are not expected to have a complete plan yet (and are encouraged to develop and change your plan after this presentation and peer/lecturer feedback), but we ask that you talk us through your thinking and plans at this time. This will be followed by ~5min of questions from your peers and the lecturer. 

You will also be asked to post your materials on the course Team platform before your presentation, and will be required to give constructive feedback on at least two other students’ work (by the end of week 10). 

If you do not currently have a creative practice, an alternative model should be discussed with the Course Convenor. This might involve the study of the creative work of another artist, or an imagined practice based on/creative presentation of your musicological research.

Assessment Submission

• In-class presentation with relevant media (this could be powerpoint slides, media files, scores, sketches, bibliography, etc.)
• Posted materials on Teams before your crit presentation 
• At least two comments on other students’ works via Teams (by the end of week 10)

Assessment Criteria

• Attendance and active participation in weekly seminars and workshops, and online via the course ‘Team’, including at least two comments on Teams
• Clear and well-organised in-class presentation with appropriate materials (media files, scores, sketches, etc.)
• Demonstration of relevant research and considered plans for future work
• Materials posted on Teams before your crit presentation 

Assessment Task 3

Research Presentation (40%)

In week 11 or 12 you will be asked to give a ~15min presentation on your research project, followed by ~10min of questions. Unlike the crit presentation, this should be treated like a conference paper and a more formal presentation. 

A slide show and written presentation are recommended. The final slide(s) of your presentation should be a list of sources in Chicago Style. Including recorded media (video or audio) or live performance/demonstration in your presentation is also recommended (ideally 2-4min in total duration). This presentation should outline your creative research in the context of the course content, and reference both weekly topics and assigned readings. Your presentation should articulate your project in terms of: 

• Research question(s)
• Scope and context 
• Methodology(ies)
• Connections to theory(ies) from other disciplines
• Documentation, dissemination and the return of research to practice 

If you do not currently have a creative practice, an alternative model should be discussed with the Course Convenor. This might involve the study of the creative work of another artist, or an imagined practice based on/creative presentation of your musicological research.

Assessment Submission

• In-class presentation with relevant media (powerpoint slides, media files, scores, sketches, bibliography, etc.)
• Wattle submission: text of conference paper (1500-2000 words) with Chicago Style referencing and bibliography

Assessment Criteria

• Clear and well-organised in-class presentation with appropriate materials (media files, scores, sketches, etc.)
• Demonstration of relevant research and considered plans for future work
• Demonstration of appropriate use of references and formatting

Assessment Task 4

Research Statement (15%)

This assessment calls for a ~250-word (hard limit of 1,900 characters) summary of your research project and an outline of the kinds of evidence you might include to demonstrate impact in an Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) submission. 

This short statement (in three paragraphs) should outline the background, contribution, and significance of your creative work. You will also be asked for a summary of the verification materials you would submit along with your statement. These should include: a digital copy of the work, evidence of peer review/excellence, and evidence of public availability.

If you do not currently have a creative practice, an alternative model should be discussed with the Course Convenor. This might involve the study of the creative work of another artist, or an imagined practice based on/creative presentation of your musicological research.

Assessment Submission

• Word document submitted via Wattle including: ~250-word (hard limit of 1,900 characters) research statement, and an additional (not part of the word count) summary of verification materials 

Assessment Criteria

• Demonstrated ability to succinctly explain your project in terms of background
• Demonstrated ability to succinctly explain your project in terms of contribution
• Demonstrated ability to succinctly explain your project in terms of significance
• Demonstrated ability to describe appropriate verification materials illustrating peer review and excellence

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

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.

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

Feedback and marks will be provided within two weeks of assessment submission.

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

As artistic research and reflection are ongoing processes, students are always encouraged to consider and discuss the potential for the re-submission of assessments. Please get in touch ASAP to chat about this if you think you would like to request a resubmission.

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