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MUS 795A/B : Composition Research Portfolio
Creative Arts and Industries
2020 Semester One (1203) / Semester Two (1205) (120 POINTS)
Course Overview
Course Requirements
Capabilities Developed in this Course
| Capability 1: | Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice |
| Capability 2: | Critical Thinking |
| Capability 3: | Solution Seeking |
| Capability 4: | Communication and Engagement |
| Capability 5: | Independence and Integrity |
| Capability 6: | Social and Environmental Responsibilities |
Learning Outcomes
- Develop and demonstrate the ability to compose music to a professional standard for a variety of media and contexts. (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)
- Develop and demonstrate research and writing skills in and around compositional practice. (Capability 1, 2 and 5)
- Prepare a diverse folio of compositions for various ensembles of instruments and voices, and/or sonic arts. (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)
- Maintain a high level of self-motivated research and study( (Capability 1, 2 and 5)
- Demonstrate the ability to create notated, instructional, and/or media-based compositions at the highest professional level. (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)
Assessments
| Assessment Type | Percentage | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 100% | Individual Coursework |
| 100% |
The MMus in composition involves the preparation of a substantial folio of works, usually at least three, which are designed to display composition of a high professional level in a variety of instrumental, vocal or electronic media. The precise contents of any folio are negotiated and agreed between candidate and supervisor/s at the outset, but a folio would normally include an extended work of symphonic nature or one displaying similar scope and qualities within a large chamber ensemble. Although it is not always possible, performances (even workshop readings) should be attempted and recorded for as much of the folio as possible. The scope of the folio would normally be of the order of a half-hour or more of music.
All research masters degrees must include a thesis of at least 10,000 words that makes a substantial contribution to the field. Part of this thesis may be programme notes describing the pieces presented and the processes used, but these must be connected to a wider historical or critical project. This might include the history of a technique being used or a genre being composed in, critical study of compositional influences, etc.
A PDF of the portfolio will be presented at the end of the enrolment year via Canvas for examination. Students will also be able to submit sound recordings if applicable. After the portfolio is examined, students will submit a final hard-bound copy in accordance with the Guide to Theses and Dissertations.
Pass Requirements
This course is assessed as 100% coursework. All assignments are classed as compulsory coursework. Non-completion of any of these assignments will result in a DNC grade (did not complete). Late assignments that do not have an approved extension will be penalised 10% for each day or part thereof that the assignment is overdue.
All work undertaken in 795A (and 795B) will be assessed at the end of Semester 2 ,2020.
Teaching & Learning Methods
As work at this level consists of supervision by a highly experience and qualified practitioner, much of the students’ progress is determined by their ability to apply principles and to work independently between supervisions. The student should expect access to his/her supervisor on a regular basis, with a total of approximately 50 hours of contact time throughout the year. Note that this 25 hours includes prep time for the supervisor. Joint supervision is possible, and should be arranged so that the total supervision time is approximately 25 hours. Supervision should involve both the composition portfolio and the written thesis.
Workload Expectations
This course is a 60 point course and students are expected to spend 40 hours per week involved in each 60 point course that they are enrolled in.
For this course, you can expect 25 hours of supervision 200 hours of reading and thinking about the content and 375 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation.
Digital Resources
Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).
Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.
Academic Integrity
The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.
Inclusive Learning
All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.
Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website at http://disability.auckland.ac.nz
Special Circumstances
If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.
If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.
This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.
Student Feedback
At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.
Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.
Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.
Student Charter and Responsibilities
The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html).
In the event of unexpected disruption
We undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions, the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. In the event of a disruption, the University and your course coordinators will make every effort to provide you with up to date information via Canvas and the University website.
Copyright Warning Notice
This material is protected by copyright and has been copied by and solely for the educational purposes of the University under license. You may not sell, alter or further reproduce or distribute any part of this course pack/material to any other person. Where provided to you in electronic format, you may only print from it for your own private study and research. Failure to comply with the terms of this warning may expose you to legal action for copyright infringement and/or disciplinary action by the University.
Disclaimer
Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.
In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.