Music M.A. (Critical Music Studies)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Upon completion of the degree, students should be able to make an original contribution to the critical study of music and sound, demonstrating expertise in a specialized area of music research by synthesizing existing literature in relevant areas of music scholarship and cultural studies (including but not limited to music history, music theory, music analysis, philosophy, ethnomusicology, and anthropology), analyzing the meanings and significance of music and sound through the application of appropriate methodologies, and articulating the findings of their research and analysis in sophisticated and compelling terms.

2. Upon completion of the degree, students should be able to deliver an oral presentation based upon their research. This presentation should clearly convey the student’s original arguments and interventions; it should situate these vis-a-vis existing scholarship or ongoing conversations in scholarly communities; and it should demonstrate clear organization, persuasive speaking and writing, and effective use of relevant technologies (e.g., PowerPoint, video and audio materials, etc.). As part of the colloquium, students should also demonstrate their ability to successfully engage in question-and-answer dialogue with other scholars.

3. During year three of the doctoral program, students complete and revise a substantial written paper, in the manner of a peer-reviewed academic article in the fields of academic music studies. This paper should demonstrate advanced skills in research and argumentation, broad familiarity with relevant literature encountered during the first several years of coursework, and professional writing abilities. A master’s level paper is typically also a step on a student’s progress toward their own long-term research project.