Minor Thesis

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

240 hours over 2 semesters of full time enrolment.

The Research Process for Musicians or equivalent. Students are expected to have a thesis topic and research proposal approved by the Graduate Studies Committee before being permitted to enrol in this subject.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Candidate will conceive, plan and execute a research topic and produce a 12,000 word thesis, excluding bibliography, footnotes and appendices, on a topic approved by the Graduate Studies Committee.

On completion of this subject students should have:

• Demonstrated the ability to conceive, plan and execute a substantial research project;
• Demonstrated a capacity to think originally and independently within the chosen area of research discipline;
• Shown a command of both standard literature and writings at the current scholarly forefront of the chosen field;
• Shown the ability to apply the relevant research methodologies rigorously and appropriately;
• Demonstrated the ability to write in a scholarly manner to a level acceptable for publication; and
• Demonstrated the ability to make a clear and articulate oral presentation on their research topic.

A 12,000 word thesis, excluding bibliography, footnotes and appendices, due during the examination period at the end of the second semester. Hurdle requirement: a 50-minute presentation of the results of the research at a graduate research seminar.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students will have developed:

• Intellectual curiosity, including understanding of the philosophical and methodological bases of research activity;
• Ability and self-confidence to comprehend complex concepts, and to express them lucidly whether orally or in writing;
• Knowledge, skills and practices, which provide a basis for independent critical inquiry and research-based writing;
• Capacity for self-directed learning and ability to plan work and use time effectively.