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Introduction to Music Research (440-0-1)

Instructors

David J Hoek
djhoek@northwestern.edu

Meeting Info

RCMA 1-160: Tues, Thurs 8:30AM - 9:50AM

Overview of class

This course is a practical introduction to resources and methods for finding music and information about music and for engaging with facts and ideas about music through research, reading, and writing. These skills and concepts can be applied in other courses in the Master of Music program as well as throughout a career in music.

Registration Requirements

MM program

Learning Objectives

• Use library catalogs and specialized databases to find music in notated and recorded formats
• Locate information and ideas about music in books, articles, and other scholarly publications
• Identify physical items held in libraries and digital resources available online
• Recognize scholarly publications and understand the peer-review process
• Formulate bibliographic references according to the Chicago Manual of Style
• Engage critically with writings about music through comparative inquiry
• Identify Northwestern services that provide academic and career support

Teaching Method

This course is organized as a series of topical units with a cumulative final project. Each unit introduces new information and resources through in-person class sessions and related activities to be completed independently before or after each class, such as reading assigned texts or exploring particular research tools. Most units include one or more assignments to be submitted and graded.

Evaluation Method

Progress will be advanced & assessed by:
• Evaluating a traditional scholarly reference source against a collaborative website
• Summarizing and comparing peer-reviewed journal articles on a related topic
• Applying knowledge of research tools and methods to prepare a substantive bibliography on a chosen topic relevant to music performance

Class Materials (Required)

No textbook or additional materials required to purchase

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Master of Music Students