Examination arrangement

Course content

The aim of this module is to assist students in planning and undertaking the initial phases of dissertation work. They will learn about processes of choosing a topic, of defining the ethnographic field and of delimiting research questions which will orient their perspective throughout the dissertation.

They will work on researching relevant secondary sources including visual and other material as well as literature on the theme, and identify the methodological and theoretical approaches which seem most appropriate. They will write a plan for their dissertation field work, and an outline for the dissertation. They will put together a bibliography, identify the field, methods, a research question and dance material that they aim to study. They will also discuss theoretical issues related to their methods, the research question or the field.

Learning outcome

Students who successfully complete this module will have acquired:

Kunnskaper

• An understanding of the initial phases in writing a dissertation
• Knowledge about main topics in dance studies used for research in dissertations

Fedigheter

• Training in researching, selecting and organising theoretical and methodological literature
• Training in researching a variety of dance material in collections and on the web
• An experience of applying methodologies from other courses on a chosen dance material
• An experience in critically evaluating source material and theoretical literature.

Learning methods and activities

Seminars and supervised practical and methodological exercises in small groups. Minimum required participation/attendance in class for Choreomundus students: At least 70%.

Further on evaluation

The students will produce a plan for their dissertation which includes: - Definition and delimitation of the dissertation topic and research questions - Identification and description of the field - Discussion of potential theoretical perspectives and methodologies - Critical analysis and evaluation of a set of empirical material (films, descriptions etc.) as closely connected to the topic as possible. The analysis will be presented with an explanation of how it connects and supports the plan of the dissertation.

- A bibliography of at least 20 items - The student will present the dissertation project for their fellow students in the form of a 20 minute illustrated oral presentation.

- The oral presentation of the plan will adjust the final grade.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Admission to Choreomundus