Assessment criteria for a contextual essay (checklist)

CONTENT

  • Music is at the center of attention
  • Analysis is a substantial part of the essay, including harmonic-contrapuntal aspects
  • The treatment of the subject is contextual; relevant connections are made to extramusical domains
  • The knowledgedomains of contextual studies are used: historical (general, musical, cultural) and aspects of harmony and counterpoint

PRODUCT

  • There is a title page
  • The title (and subtitle if present) refer to the chosen subject
  • There is a correct table of contents with correct page numbers
  • The table of contents and the used levels in the table of contents are meaningful and contribute to the orientation of the reader
  • There is an introduction in which motivation for and choice of the subject, focus question and subquestions are presented in a clear way
  • The essay concludes with a conlusion/discussion/resume and a critical reflection on the research
  • There is a list of sources edited according to the APA system
  • In the main text correct references are made to used sources according to the APA system
  • Size: to write something substantial you will need at least 5000 words, but everybody knows it is perfectly possible to say absolutely nothing even with 10.000 words…

PROCESS

  • The orientation on the subject is clearly documented
  • The search for sources is clearly documented
  • The choice of sources is motivated
  • There has been contact with the teacher about content and process