Module MUSI51030: Research Methods and Resources

Department: Music

MUSI51030: Research Methods and Resources

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide students pursuing the Taught MA with training in methods of musicological-, compositional- and performance-related research appropriate to study at Level 4. In particular this means that it will provide them with the skills necessary not only for the preparation of research carried out within modules requiring research in formatively and summatively assessed work, but also for progression to independent research at higher levels as requisite for a particular level of study. The relevent external standard for the level, breadth and depth of skills acquired is the guidance offered by the AHRC.

Content

• The Music department provides the following classes:
• (1) an introduction to basic research methodologies, theories and concepts;
• (2) establishing bibliographies and research-related databases;
• (3) bibliographical coventions for textual or sound-related research within musicology, composition and performance;
• (4) historical collections and museological/archival research;
• (5) music notation systems and their relationship to music-related research;
• (6) preparation of written papers, in theory and practice; and
• (7) oral presentation and research-related descussion techniques.

Learning Outcomes

• RMR comproses a generic component required of all students, and inter-related subject-specific knowledge. The learning outcomes for generic components include
• (1) the use of libraries for musicologcal-, compositional- and performance-related research, including knowledge of key works of general reference and bibliographical significance;
• (2) facility with IT/web resources including textual and sound databases; and
• (3) knowledge of the various style and bibliographical conventions appropriate to research in the field of music.

• (1) an advanced ability to formulate and articulate knowledge and understanding of methodologically-orientated research concepts, theories and practices relating to musicology, composition and performance, and where relevant their intradisciplinary relationships;
• (2) a methodological engagement with research rationales through text-related discourse, creative output or performance skills; and
• (3) an advanced awareness of research techniques involving scholarly presentation (written and spoken), bibliographic skils, and the full use of IT/web-based search techniques in the context of advanced research methodologies in music.

• These comprise
• (1) an enhancement of research skills embedded, and inherent within, concurrently running postgraduate modules, including the advanced ability to develop thematic concepts leading to the completion of formatively and summatively assessed work;
• (2) the ability to apply research skills in an increasingly independent and coherent way;
• (3) the advancing knowledge of the theoretical implications underlying methodological patterns in musicological-, compositional- or performance-related research and
• (4) oral skills in presenting research findings in the form of a prepared paper.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Teaching centres on a pattern of alternating tutorials and postgraduate seminars. Tutorials over two terms comprise references to the following topics:
• (1) an introduction to based research methodologies, theories and concepts;
• (2) establishing bibliographies and research-related databases;
• (3) bibliographical conventions of textual or sound-related reaserch within musicology, composition and performance;
• (4) historical collectons and museological/archival research;
• (5) music notation systems and their relationship to music-related research;
• (6) preparation of written papers, in theory and practice; and
• (7) aural presentation and research-related discussion techniques.
• Summative Assessment will be in two parts, comprising (1) a folio of work (50%) carried out in the context of tutorials, as stated above, comprising a brief introductory research plan (750 words); formally constructed bibliography; a written precis of research (1000 words); and a set musically-noted examples exhibiting a full range of advanced musi-typographical capability; and (2) a 3000-word presentation (50%), delivered orally in an assessed seminar environment during the latter part of the Epiphany term, and then submitted in written form. The relative weighting of the two summative assessments, and the weighting of components within the folio reflect the expectation that some of the same skills will be required for and directly assessed as part of the 3,00 words presentation itself. The written components must be submitted by the end of the first week in the Easter term.
• Formative assessment will ensure at a relatively early stage that students put into practice the skills learnt in the module as a whole by requiring from them work contributing to their folio. Facility in the specific skills taught in the tutorials will be developed by postgraduate semiars based around the advanced exploration of these toipcs within postgraduate-driven work.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment will ensure a relatively early stage that students put into practice the skills learnt in the module as a whole by requiring from them work contributing to their folio. Facility in the specific skills taught in the tutorials will be developed by postgraduate semiars based around the advanced exploration of these toipcs within postgraduate-driven work.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University