MUR502 Master's Thesis
- ECTS Credits:
- 30
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Fine Arts
- Course Leader:
- Per Elias Drabløs
- Lecture Semester:
- Autumn
- Duration:
- 2 terms
The course is connected to the following study programs
Prerequisites
ME-426 Musicological theory and methods
Course contents
The master`s thesis shall be based upon empirical data, but practical/empirical research questions must be discussed from an academic perspective. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are relevant.
Projects crossing over towards artistic research, and where the student’s own experience and understanding forms the basis of the artistic work, is also a possible perspective for the master’s thesis. However, the same requirement regarding reflection is expected, as in a traditional master’s thesis, e.g. use of theory, process, positioning of one’s own artistic work related to the research field, and how the project contributes to the development of the research area.
Supervision is a key component when working on the thesis. This ensures that the student is provided with the requisite knowledge and implies a necessary quality assurance system when collecting and managing empirical data. Through workshops and group work, the student will be versed in how to present his/her own project, research question and methodological work, as well as commenting on the work of others.
The candidate`s project description forms the basis of their application for the master’s programme, and with the help of the supervisor, the student will elaborate on the subject for their master`s thesis. Examples of research subjects:
-
Performance practice
-
Instrumental/vocal research
-
Artist/genre/composer
-
Artistic research
-
Research related to music technology
-
Research related to music business
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will
-
be able to analyse scientific theoretical problems with a basis in the history of popular music, its traditions and its place in society
-
be able to analyse and critically challenge various sources of information, and to apply relevant theory to structure and formulate musical reasoning
-
be able to explain scientific theoretical problems, methodical challenges, analyses and conclusions related to popular music, both to professionals and the general public
Examination requirements
Students will present two presentations and two oppositions per semester. An overview of compulsory assignments will be given in Canvas at the start of the semester.
Teaching methods
Tuition will be given through individual supervision, lectures and seminars. A number of workshops will be arranged throughout the semesters. The student will, over the course of the semester, present his/her own project or other subjects for the class, and will also act as opponent for his/her fellow students.
The thesis work will be planned in close collaboration with the supervisor.
Expected workload for the student is 27 hours per credit.
Evaluation
The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.
Assessment methods and criteria
The scope of the master`s thesis is expected to be between 50 and 70 pages. In the case of an artistic research project, the submitted written material is expected to be between 30 and 50 pages.
Assessed with the grades A-F.
Reduction of Credits
This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:
| Course | Reduction of Credits |
|---|---|
| MUR500 – Master's Thesis and Performance | 30 |