This course will introduce students to methodological approaches employed in music research. It will develop students’ research skills and understanding through critical engagement with diverse perspectives and approaches. The course fosters students’ ability to analyse and critique key issues and debates within music research and creative practice. It aims to build student understanding of the principles informing different music research methods and associated ethical considerations. It examines changing approaches employed by music researchers over time and considers current and future directions in music scholarship. The course aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out an independent research investigation on a musical topic.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- understand and critically evaluate methodological approaches to music research;
- apply these approaches to pursue knowledge about a musical topic;
- analyse and assess which methodological approaches are most suited for investigation of particular music research questions; and
- communicate and debate themes, concepts and theories with peers.
Indicative Assessment
- Critical respondent presentation (20) [LO 1,2,4]
- Research presentation (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Annotated bibliography with bibliographic essay (50) [LO 1,2,3]
- Class participation (10) [LO 1,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
260 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks of seminars; and
b) 224 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Available via Wattle
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 12
- Unit value:
- 12 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 12.00 | 0.25000 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2039 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |