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Norges musikkhøgskole Norwegian Academy of Music Search

Research For­um

  • Course type: Complementary course / elective course.
  • Year of study: Year 1, over two semesters.
  • Final assessment: Written assignments.
  • Prerequisites: Admission to one of the applicable study programmes.
  • Language of instruction: Norwegian/English.

Course description

This course is mandatory for all students in the

  • Master’s Degree Programme in Composition
  • Master’s Degree Programme in Music Performance with a specialisation in Performance with Thesis
  • Master’s Degree Programme in Music Theory
  • Master's Degree Programme in Church Music

The course will enable students to place their Master’s Project in a larger artistic and theoretical context. The course will cover established subject areas within (music) scientific theory and methods as well as subject areas within Performance Studies and Artistic Research . The course will provide students with a solid foundation for subsequently carrying out doctoral-level projects.

Learning objectives

On completion of the course, it is expected that the student will

  • be able to articulate and discuss issues in the music field in a critical and reflective manner
  • be able to use relevant research tools
  • be able to analyse and critically assess material from artistic development work and research, and to use this in their own work
  • be able to critically assess issues related to research ethics

Overview

The topics covered in this course will vary from year to year, and an attempt will be made to tailor the course to the students’ Master’s Projects and other interests. The course will be organised into three main areas:

  • General scientific theory and research methods with emphasis on topics in the humanities.
  • Basic issues in music research with a focus on aesthetics topics, interpretation studies and artistic activity as an element of research (Artistic Research).
  • Oral and written dissemination of the students’ own projects of an artistic and theoretical nature. This includes work with written and oral dissemination of students’ own and others’ projects, use of research tools and references.

Structure

Tuition is given weekly over two semesters. Course activities will include lectures, seminars, student presentations, discussions and written assignments.

Course requirements

Students will give one oral presentation in the course of the academic year.

Final assessment

All course requirements must be fulfilled and approved before the student is given a final assessment.

Student assessment is based on the learning objectives. The final assessment will be given as a pass/fail mark, which will be determined by the course teachers on the basis of two written assignments.

Essays

Two papers of 3000-3500 words each (reference list and appendixes not included) should be submitted through the Academy's electronic learning platform Canvas.

  1. Essay on aesthetics/music philosophy based on a given task description. Deadline: December 1st.
  2. Essay based on syllabus of the course, may be related to the student's Master thesis. Deadline: June 1st.

In the case of re-assessment, the same procedures apply.

Study component

Published: Apr 3, 2020 — Last updated: May 26, 2021