PART D: EXTENDED ESSAYS

The requirement of the essays
The candidate must submit two essays, which demonstrate a thorough appreciation of the liturgical and worshipping customs of the Christian denomination to which he or she belongs, as well as the music and musical traditions which complement them. Essays should show an understanding both of history and of modern practice and trends, and of how such traditions and trends can fulfil the musical needs of the Church today.

Candidates must achieve the pass mark in each essay separately (i.e., 45 marks out of 75). Candidates who fail to achieve the pass mark in one of the two essays will be required to submit an essay in that area only, should they decide to re-enter for Part D.

The standard of the essays
Essays should demonstrate that the candidate has undertaken sufficient study and research into primary sources (e.g., the texts of services of worship and/or music scores), and has considered comments by respected and relevant scholars of recent times. Full reference details for all passages quoted or referred to must be given in footnotes or endnotes, and a bibliography must be supplied at the end of the essay.

The areas to be covered
Each essay should be between 5,000 and 7,000 words in length, one on a topic related to Christian Worship, the other on a topic related to Church Music. Candidates who fall short of, or who exceed, the word limit will be penalised. Essay titles for each specific year are set by the Academic Board, and will be printed in the Year Book and Laudate magazine; they may be also obtained from the Examinations Secretary.

Further information
Guidelines for Candidates appear later in this document. They give advice on preparing for this part of the examination.

Entry to the examination
Application forms are available from the Examinations Secretary, to whom they must be returned by 31 January prior to submission of the essays. Completed essays must reach the Examinations Secretary by 30 June in the year of submission.


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