Course content

The field of music is diverse, and there are several exciting approaches to how we can gain insight into areas that inspire in-depth study. In this course you will learn ‘hands-on’ qualitative methods for working in the field. The course also highlights the differences between qualitative and quantitative approaches.

The course gives you the opportunity to investigate something that doesn’t simply reproduce existing knowledge but that can contribute to new and original knowledge. This could for example be interviewing musicians about their view on touring life; it could be comparing how band education is organized at two different schools (e.g. through participant observation); it could be investigating musical entertainment at a nursing home; or it could be investigating a musician’s artistic practice (e.g. through a questionnaire or interview).

Fieldwork has its own ethical guidelines, and a central part of working with knowledge through people is how we do this in an ethically responsible way. The course addresses ethical guidelines and perspectives in general and in relation to different target groups. You learn about (when necessary) guidelines for reporting to SIKT (Kunnskapssektorens tjenesteleverandør/Norwegian Agency for Shared Services in Education and Research) or, if you want to go into some the area of music and health, applying to REK (Regionale komiteer for medisinsk og helsefaglig helseetikk/Regional committees for medical and health research ethics).

In the course, you practice collecting and analysing data/information through traditional and post-qualitative approaches such as interviews, observations and questionnaires.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

Candidates who complete MUSV3150

• has knowledge of key theories, research methods and analysis techniques within fieldwork as well as their relevance to the field of music
• has knowledge of the difference between quantitative and qualitative methods
• has knowledge of how fieldwork (in a broad sense) can contribute knowledge of key aspects within the fields of musicology
• has knowledge of how different types of fieldwork should be carried out in an ethically sound manner

Skills:

Candidates who complete MUSV3150

• can conduct and analyze interviews, observations and design questionnaires based on various classical and post-qualitative approaches
• can update and build on their knowledge of key fieldwork methods in further written work
• can carry out various types of fieldwork in an ethically sound manner and comply with the obligation to report to SIKT or REK where required

General competence:

The course provides skills in the design and analysis of research projects based on traditional and post-qualitative fieldwork methodology and research on artistic practice. Central to the teaching are ethical guidelines for work 'in the field'. The course provides knowledge about various interview and observation techniques and use of questionnaires. The course provides training in analysing and presenting collected material in written form.

In addition to the general development of musicological competence, the course provides methodological skills for later choice and development of a bachelor's/master's thesis as well as skills that can be useful in your future career.

Learning methods and activities

The course consists of lectures and seminars with compulsory attendance (at least 80%).

The lectures will provide an introduction to key qualitative methods and analysis of results. The focus is on how we conduct and analyze fieldwork in an ethically responsible manner. In the seminars, we practice designing an interview guide, interview techniques, participant observation and designing a questionnaire. We work on preparing for a self-selected practical fieldwork study and possible application to SIKT or REK.

Compulsory assignments

• Satisfactory participation in compulsory instruction
• Development of the research question, in consultation with the course instructor, for the semester a

Specific conditions