MUSC 305: Music History I

If you have a research question already started, you can identify your keywords and come up with alternate words in a sort of list, or you could even use that topic to start a concept map and connect ideas. 

Really, this planning is for your own benefit so as long as it makes sense to you, do it however you want! Just make sure you're coming up with multiple keywords and writing it down! 

Identifying & Developing Keywords

• Use your research statement or question to identify initial keywords.
• Keywords can include similar words or opposites too. Try to think of some alternate words or use a thesaurus to help.
  PRO TIP: Databases usually have a subject index you can look through for more terms.
• Check if the abstract of articles or book summaries provide additional terms you should try in searches.
• Get creative! If things aren't working out, ask yourself what is missing or disconnected and try combining alternate words.

Example Topic: Venetian church music exemplified by the composer Giovanni Gabrieli.

Starting keywords: Venetian Church Music ; Giovanni Gabrieli

Alt terms: (From brainstorming, a dictionary/thesaurus, a book glossary or index, etc.)

Venetian Church Music, or...

• Sacred Music
• the Venetian School
• Venetian music AND Religion
• Ceremonial Music

Giovanni Gabrieli, or...

• Renaissance Composer AND Organist
• Venetian Music Composer
• Specific works, like the Sacrae symphoniae, Sonata pian e forte, etc.