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

  Masters Thesis Development 1

• Unit Code

  MAP5120

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  30

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

Students will research through writings and their chosen modes of practice the theories and concepts which underpin contemporary performance and, thereby, construct an appropriate research design framework for their investigation. In the process, each student will have to select the methodological means, presentation format and pertinent documentation media in which to contextualise and demonstrate their research. The final thesis may be a performance/s, composition/s, a series of documented processes, a film or audio-visual installation complemented by exegetical elaboration. Documentation modes may include evidence of the processes involved: journals, designers notebooks, video sequences, imaginative writings and so forth. The total package will constitute a multi-modal thesis. In consultation with supervisor/s and participation in research seminars and conferences, the student will gain skills in articulating ideas and concepts in the chosen modes of their investigation.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Analyse and synthesise research data into a format which will support the research statement.
2. Articulate and refine areas of interest, including major themes and sub-themes arising from the research questions.
3. Complete a thesis proposal.
4. Construct and document an integrated research thesis.
5. Critically examine models of performing arts research and other relevant inter-disciplinary conventions where pertinent, and understand the implications of the methods and language/s they use.
6. Formulate an informed and personal viewpoint of the different articulations of theory within practices and means of communication.
7. Formulate and develop a research design framework.
8. Formulate the thesis structures and apply referencing procedures.
9. Select and continually refine a topic and a suitable method of enquiry.
10. Use bibliographic skills to conduct literature searches.

Unit Content

1. A demonstration of the present state of knowledge in the chosen field.
2. A research design framework and method of reflective evaluation; The various aspects and components of the study will culminate in an integrated thesis, demonstrating the students thorough knowledge of the field and capacity to undertake independent and probing performing arts research.
3. A statement of the problem/idea/s to be addressed.
4. A working hypothesis or projected trajectory of investigation.
5. The Masters thesis should be a significant work of quality at a post-graduate level of research in an arts-driven area of enquiry. The format of the written component will normally follow a traditional structure of thesis title, introduction, literature review, discussion and conclusion. Likewise, the practice component needs to reflect the quality and technical professionalism of the practice, whether focussed on process or performance/film/multi-media presentation etc, subject to the availability of resources. Areas of study will be unique to each student and will include the following:

Additional Learning Experience Information

Independent study with supervision.

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

• Reading and research in materials relevant to the thesis topic will be individualised. Degree guidelines and other relevant information can be found at http://research.ecu.edu.au/grs/students/guidelines.php.

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