Advanced Art Research Methodologies (IRA 821)


Course Description: The Advanced Art Research Methodologies course is a comprehensive exploration of advanced research methods employed in the field of arts. In this course, students will acquire the skills needed to design, execute, and evaluate research projects within the arts domain. Emphasis will be placed on conducting in-depth literature reviews, utilizing a variety of research tools and techniques, and gaining an understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Outline of Major Content Areas:

  1. Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods:
    • An examination of the principles and techniques underlying both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
    • Learning to select and apply the most suitable research method based on the nature of the research question.
  2. Ethnographic Research in Arts:
    • An introduction to ethnographic research and its application in the context of arts.
    • Exploring the process of conducting participant observation, interviews, and fieldwork within artistic communities.
  3. Archival and Primary Source Research:
    • Understanding the significance of archival and primary source materials in arts research.
    • Learning how to access, analyze, and interpret historical and original documents related to the arts.
  4. Arts-Based Research and Practice:
    • A comprehensive examination of arts-based research approaches that involve creative practices.
    • Practical experience in using artistic methods such as visual arts, performance, or creative writing for research purposes.
  5. Practical Projects:
    • Students will have the opportunity to apply the research methods and skills learned in the course.
    • Each student will design and conduct an independent research project, exploring a topic of personal interest within the arts field.

Course Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Research Proficiency:
    • Demonstrate a deep understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods and their application within arts research.
    • Apply the appropriate research method to address specific research questions in the arts field.
  2. Ethnographic Research Skills:
    • Conduct ethnographic research, including participant observation and interviews, within artistic communities.
    • Collect, analyze, and interpret data derived from ethnographic research in arts.
  3. Archival and Primary Source Proficiency:
    • Access and evaluate archival and primary source materials relevant to arts research.
    • Effectively employ archival and primary source materials to support research inquiries.
  4. Arts-Based Research Practice:
    • Create and execute arts-based research projects using creative methods relevant to the arts domain.
    • Understand how to integrate artistic practices into research activities and projects.
  5. Independent Research Capabilities:
    • Independently design and conduct a research project, selecting and implementing the most appropriate research methodologies.
    • Produce a comprehensive research project that addresses a personal area of interest within the arts field.

Methods for Assessing Student Learning:

Assessment within this course will employ various strategies to evaluate students’ research skills and knowledge:

  1. Research Methodology Assessment: Evaluation of students’ comprehension and application of qualitative and quantitative research methods through assignments, quizzes, or exams.
  2. Ethnographic Research Evaluation: Assessment of students’ ability to conduct ethnographic research, including participant observation and interviews, and analyze the gathered data.
  3. Archival and Primary Source Analysis: Evaluation of students’ competence in accessing, interpreting, and employing archival and primary source materials in arts research.
  4. Arts-Based Research Projects: Assessment of students’ ability to create and execute arts-based research projects that utilize creative practices relevant to the arts field.
  5. Independent Research Project Evaluation: A comprehensive evaluation of students’ independent research projects, considering the selection of appropriate research methods, execution, analysis, and the overall quality of the project.

Through the successful completion of this course, students will acquire advanced research skills essential for conducting meaningful research within the diverse and creative domain of arts. Students will also gain the ability to apply these methodologies to topics of personal interest within the arts field.