Only one abstract per presentation is necessary. A basic abstract of 250–500 words is required to participate. Your abstract should address the five elements* described below.
The creation and production of live performance (dance, theatre, music, etc.) and works of visual and media art (musical compositions, film, photography, paintings, sculptures, costume and set designs, etc.) are valid scholarly contributions known as the “scholarship of discovery”; this is central to the education of students in the visual and performing arts. A successful abstract for a creative work proposed for inclusion in the Whalen Symposium will include:
In order for your abstract to be considered for an award, you must submit an extended abstract of 500–700 words. Sample abstracts and judging rubrics are provided to help you develop a successful abstract and presentation. Your extended abstract should address the following five elements.
Five Elements to Include in an Abstract
1. Initial questions of investigation (Why did you create the piece?)
2. Brief articulation of artists, forms, theories, methods or movements inspiring or informing the creative work (research; techniques; how those techniques are manifested in the work and research that was conducted regarding various composers, representing various cultures, etc.)
3. How the work will be presented to the audience (if performing or presenting a piece of visual art in conjunction with your presentation, be sure to describe the necessary space requirements)
4. Proposed significance to the field (What is new or revelatory about your creative work?)
5. A bibliography/list of references and works cited (If you cited any sources of information— articles, books, book chapters, websites, and personal communications) MUST be included. These items are not included in the 500–700 word limit. It may be helpful to consider this a shorter version of your final presentation. Supporting materials including charts, graphs, images, choreography documentation, or musical scores are encouraged but not necessary. (These items are not included in the 500–700 word limit.)
Abstracts that have been submitted for awards will be approved by two separate faculty or staff abstract reviewers who have experience in a related field. The reviewers follow a rubric to rate each abstract; for reference, you may download the rubric here. Abstracts that score an average of 10 or more points will be considered for award.
Presentations that are being considered for an award will be evaluated by judges when during the symposium. Students will be judged on their presentation of their research's purpose/originality, their methods and framework, their results and conclusions, and the visual and logical organization of presentation. Once presentations have all been delivered, the judges deliberate using the presentation evaluations to determine the award winners.
