Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Education and Arts

School: WA Academy of Performing Arts

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Performing Arts Research Preparation

• Unit Code

  MAP5116

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  30

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

This unit will introduce students to research concepts, protocols and methods of performing arts investigations through practice and critical reflection. The students will be guided through investigations in alternative forms of knowledge fundamental to the various disciplines of the performing arts in preparation to developing his/her official research proposal.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Be aware of the background literature and theoretical frameworks associated with creative arts research across its modalities.
2. Be familiar with current research in this area as it pertains to his/her topic.
3. Have sufficient information to formulate and bring to completion independent arts research.
4. Understand the protocols and methodologies by which post graduate research is undertaken in the performing arts.

Unit Content

1. An examination of cross-disciplinary topics in performing arts research, while exploring the concepts of creativity, aesthetic variability and socio/political constructions of creative arts disciplines.
2. An introduction to alternative approaches and innovative paradigms drawn from contemporary advancements in the study of the creative arts.
3. An introduction to ethical protocols and procedures in the conduct of artistic research.
4. An overview of approaches to research in and about the practices of performing arts.
5. An overview of the challenges of documentation of multi-modal research, and ways to enhance writing effectiveness.
6. An understanding of the roles and contexts for quantitative and qualitative creative arts research methodologies.
7. Guidelines for planning successful research frameworks in artistic disciplines.
8. The use of the library as a resource for specialised data-bases and information tracing.
9. This unit will address the major methods emerging in performing arts research and the articulation of theoretical frameworks implemented in artistic practices. Emphasis will lie in the systematic investigation of well designed as well as courageous studies in artistic research. Content areas may include:

Additional Learning Experience Information

Seminars will be scheduled on a weekly basis, providing lectures, presentations and demonstrations that will supplement material supplied through departmental tutorials and other research units.

Assessment

GS4 GRADING SCHEMA 4 Used for undifferentiated pass/fail units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• Carter, P. (2004). Material thinking: The theory and practice of creative research. Melbourne: Melbourne University Press.
• Melrose, S. (2003). The curiosity of writing (or, who cares about performance mastery?) Retrieved 2 February, 2007, from http://www.sfmelrose.u-net.com/curiosityof writing/.html.
• Phillips, M., Stock, C., & Vincs, K. (2009). Dancing between diversity and consistency: Refining assessment in postgraduate degrees in dance. Perth, WA: WA Academy of Performing Arts, ECU.
• Piccini, A. (2003). A histiographic perspective on practice as research. Proceedings of the PARIP conference 11-14 September 2003, University of Bristol U.K. Retrieved 12 February, 2007, from http://www.bris.ac.uk/parip/t_ap.htm.
• Bourke, S., Holbrook, A., & Lovat, T. (2006). Relationships of PhD candidate, candidature and examination characteristics with thesis outcomes. Looking behind the Doctorate, at the AARE Annual Conference, 27-30 November, 2006. Melbourne.

Journal References

• Marsh, H.W., Rowe, K.J., & Martin, A. (2002). PhD students' evaluations of research supervision: Issues, complexities, and challenges in a nationwide Australian experiment in benchmarking universities. The Journal of Higher Education, 73(3). 313-348.
• Nevanlinna, T. (2004). Is artistic research a meaningful concept? Lier en Boog: Artistic Research, Netherlands, Rodopi. 80-83.
• Pakes, A. (2003). Original embodied knowledge: The epistemology of the new in dance practice as research. Research in Dance Education, 4(2). 127-149.
• Pentikainen, J. (2006). The reconcilliation of the hostile ones: Writing as a method in art and design research practices. Working Papers in Art and Design, 4. Retrieved 20 February, 2008, from http://www.herts.ac.uk/artdes/research/papers/wpades/vol4/ipfull.html
• Rye, C. (2003). Incorporating practice: A multi-viewpoint approach to performance documentation. Journal of Media Practice, 3(2) 115-123
• Adams, J. (2007). Conceptual smoke and digital mirrors? Issues in audio-visual (A/V) practice research. Journal of Media Practice, 8(2). 203-219.

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