Module MUSI44130: Presentation Project

Department: Music

MUSI44130: Presentation Project

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide students with an opportunity to undertake in-depth research into a topic not addressed in another relevant module.
• To foster advanced, in-depth knowledge of the key literature, theories, concepts, arguments and debates that comprise the relevant topic.
• To provide students with the knowledge and skills required to pursue self-directed research on a specific topic, under the direction of a member of staff with relevant expertise.
• To equip students with extended research training in the form of one-to-one supervisions suitable to enhance their research preparation for PhD study.
• To equip students with strong presentation skills – the ability to present their research findings with clarity, precision and flair, and in accordance with the standards of academic practice.

Content

• An appropriate research topic is agreed at the start of the project, together with a compelling set of research questions. Over the course of the Michaelmas and Epiphany terms, the student then conducts thorough research into this focal topic, with guidance from their allocated supervisor, and puts together a 20-minute conference-style presentation to articulate their findings. For practice-based subjects, the final presentation will integrate live performance, specifically to illustrate key points of the research.

Learning Outcomes

• Advanced, in-depth knowledge of recent research in a chosen topic.
• Specific fields of knowledge directly pertaining to a carefully formulated research plan, refined through consultation with an expert supervisor.
• Rigorously curated knowledge, specially assembled for presentation purposes.

• Advanced ability to engage critically with theories and methodologies pertinent to the academic study of music.
• Advanced critical skills in the close reading and analysis of musical texts.
• Ability to identify and incisively articulate key issues, questions and debates concerning a specific musical topic.
• Ability to identify relevant sources and to present and critique material drawn from them effectively in the context of a presentation.

• Close reading skills, critical thinking skills, presentation skills, and other key skills associated with conducting and disseminating research.
• Exercising initiative and rigour in identifying and formulating a compelling research project.
• Managing time effectively in the context of supervised research.
• Exercising self-discipline, responsibility and autonomy in pursuing a research project.
• Communicating complex ideas effectively in writing and in conversation with an expert and, crucially, also through the medium of live in-person presentation.
• This module aims to foster diverse graduate attributes, including curiosity, creativity, intellectual courageousness, rigorousness, and resourcefulness.

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

• Teaching/Learning is centred on 5 hours of one-to-one supervision sessions. After initially agreeing a research topic, subsequent sessions will further develop the student's understanding and offer detailed feedback and guidance. Please note that supervisions will not be centrally timetabled and should be organised between students and their supervisor as schedules permit.
• A formative 10-minute presentation serves as preparation for the summative.
• The module culminates in a summative 20-min conference-style presentation. For practice-based subjects, the final presentation will integrate live performance, specifically to illustrate key points of their research.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

A formative 10-minute presentation serves as preparation for the assessed presentation.

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.