Dissertation 1: Ethnographic Research Methodology and Archiving

The aim of this module is to assist students in planning and undertaking the initial phases of dissertation work. They will learn about processes of choosing a topic, of defining an ethnographic field and of delimiting research questions which will orient their perspective throughout the dissertation. They will practice diverse methodologies suitable for their research.

They will work on researching relevant secondary sources including visual and other material as well as literature on the theme and identify the methodological and theoretical approaches which seem most appropriate. They will write a methodological plan for their dissertation. They will put together a bibliography, methods, topics and potential research questions as well as dance material that they aim to study.

Students who successfully complete this module will have acquired:

Knowledge:

• An understanding of the initial phases in writing a dissertation
• Knowledge about main topics in dance studies used for research in dissertations

Skills:

• An experience in researching, selecting and organising theoretical and methodological literature
• An experience in researching a variety of dance material in collections and on the web
• An experience of applying methodologies from other courses on a chosen dance material
• An experience in critically evaluating source material and theoretical literature.

Seminars and supervised practical and methodological exercises in small groups. Minimum required participation/attendance in class for Choreomundus students: At least 70%.