Writing Up Your Research Session 2 BA (Hons) Dance DA Bath Spa University Michelle Kennedy

Aims of the Next 2 Sessions Practical Assessment Criteria Components of the written research What is an abstract? The main body Conclusion Referencing Layout and Presentation Questions and Exemplar Research Papers Programme Notes Assessment Schedule

Does this look familiar?

Assessment Criteria You will be assessed on your ability to: Identify a topic to be investigated with a clear line of inquiry and design an appropriate research methodology (written documentation) 10% (LO 1) Present relevant evidence in support of the research area which demonstrates analysis and critical interrogation (written documentation) 20%(LO 2,3,4,5) Present the outcome/findings (e.g. performance, lecture demonstration) in a form appropriate to the investigation 60%(LO 5) Evaluate the process and findings, relating these to the original intentions of the research, and conclude with some suggestions for further investigation (written documentation) 10%

Assessment Guidelines We will be looking at: Your ability to communicate a choreographic statement The suitability of the material in relation to the subject matter Your ability to engage the audience Your exploration of the medium and the extent to which this demonstrates choreographic knowledge and creativity How well you have dealt with issues which are within your control See Course Handbook for further details

Components of Your Research Cover Page Abstract Introduction and rationale Methodology Main Body Conclusion Bibliography Appendices

Introduction and Methodology Questions?

What is an abstract? An abstract is a separate paragraph placed on a separate sheet at the start of your research which gives the aims and the findings of the study. It is usually best to complete your abstract at the end of the write up process.

Abstract - Example 1 A Choreographic Investigation into Improvisation in Performance. This practical research project explored the value of improvisation when used as a choreographic device within performance. Primary research was collated through a series of practical choreographic sessions over a 3 month period at Bath Spa University. The research culminated in a final improvised performance at the University Theatre on 4 th March The research concludes that dancers who experience an improvised approach to performance, in comparison to more traditional choreographic methods, demonstrated increased levels of consciousness during the activities. The process also improved the dancers’ ability to retain image based ideas and increased the general enjoyment of choreography for both the individual and the whole group.

Abstract – Example 2 A Choreographic Investigation into the Relationship Between Sound and Movement This practical research project explored the relationship between sound and movement. Primary research was collated through a series of Practice as Research sessions conducted over an eight week period at Bath Spa University. The research culminated in a final performance at the University Theatre on 4 th March The research concluded that there are a range of different dialogues that exist between choreography and its aural environment and that the dialectical nature of this exchange can be explored most effectively through improvisation.

The Main Body Findings, Analysis and Discussion You are discussing the process of your studio enquiry within the context of theoretical ideas Findings – presenting the data you have gathered during your practical and theoretical investigations Analysis and discussion – exploring the implication of the findings, making sense of the data

The Main Body Consider the following points What background/contextual information is relevant to the research? Can you locate the work within the wider field of choreography/creative practice? Which artists/performers help to contextualise your research? (This is called a practice review) Focus on the process of art making and not just the final performance outcome – identify significant moments and breakthroughs Focus on your studio practice as research and keep relating back to your aims and objectives

Consider the following: Have you analysed the findings with clear reference to the theories and ideas you are investigating? Have your findings enabled you to answer your question? What is the significance of the findings? Have you unpicked your tacit choreographic knowledge? Have you made all the above explicit (as opposed to implicit) in your writing? NB Giving your dance a working title often makes the write up process easier.

Timescale Week 20Practical Assessment Week 21Suggested draft submission Week 22Tutorials/work placement Easter Holidays – Michelle away for 3 weeks Week 23Tutorials Week 24Deadline Thursday 29th April 12pm Week 25-27VIVAS

Programme Notes Title of dance Name of choreographers or directors Name of performers or dancers Name of composers and any other collaborative artists Technical crew Information which relates to the subject matter/area of research Remember, you are responsible for creating an event, not just completing an assessment

Any questions? BA (Hons) Dance DA Bath Spa University 2010