Course coordinator
Mr Patrick Murphy
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 12
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Music School
Students research and write a thesis on a topic approved by the course co-ordinator. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop a focussed research project in a field appropriate to their interests and the School of Music's expertise, deploying suitable critical frameworks and research methodologies under the guidance and supervision of an academic staff member. Students obtain experience which may lead them to further research-based programs, such as the PhD.
This course provides you with an opportunity to pursue a research projectﾠin depth. You identify a research problem and identify a potential project supervisor from the staff listed atﾠhttps://music.uq.edu.au/team/academics.
Honours projects can be structured in a wide variety of ways, all of which have two common elements:
- The work is supervised by an academic member of staff
- The research findings are documented and available for reviewﾠ
There are three frequently used formats for Honours projects at the School of Music:
1. Thesisﾠ
12 hours of one-to-one meetings each semester with the project supervisor
6 hours of project specific support each semester - options include, but are not limited to,
- preparing human ethics applications
- developing software skills
- one-to-one performance or composition lessons
- recording assistance
Research findings are presented in aﾠ16000ﾠword thesisﾠ
2. Recital and exegesisﾠﾠ
6 hours of one-to-one meetings each semester with the project supervisor
12 hours ofﾠone-to-one performance lessonsﾠeach semester
Research findings are presented as a performance recital of approximately 45 to 50 minutes in duration, plus anﾠ8000ﾠwordﾠexegesis ﾠ
Students electing the Performance Recital mode are required to participate fully in all School of MusicﾠPerformance activities appropriate to instrument type,ﾠincluding Ensembles and Group Music Making, Workshop and Performance Forum.ﾠ
3. Composition Folioﾠand exegesis
6 hours of one-to-one meetings each semester with the project supervisor
12 hours ofﾠone-to-one composition lessonsﾠeach semester
Research findings are presented as a composition folio of approximately 20 minutes in duration, plus an exegesis of up to 8,000 words in length
Students can use one of these formats, or can request permission from the Honours course coordinator for a customised format if their request is supported by their project supervisor.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students who need ethical clearance for their project should apply for ethical clearance before the course commences.
Companion or co-requisite courses
You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:
HHSS6020 OR HHSS6030 OR HHSS6040
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MUSC4610
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Mr Patrick Murphy
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Students should arrange a meeting schedule for their individual advisory sessionsﾠwith their assigned advisor before week 1 of semester one.ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
This course provides students with experience in the conduct of intensive, focused, individual research on a specific topic. The fields of musicology, music education, music psychology, performance, composition and music technology are supported by School of Music staff expertise. Students elect to engage in a supervised production of a thesis OR a supervised production of an artistic output with accompanying exegesis. This work prepares students both for further research work at higher levels in related disciplines and, more generally, with the skills and knowledge to conduct research effectively and efficiently.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Formulate a valid research project, including the identification of research questions and development of a strategy to complete the project;
LO2.
Evaluate written and spoken forms of honours level research in your area and communicate the grounds for your evaluation;
LO3.
Conduct independent research into identified research question(s), utilising the various resources within the UQ Library system, and elsewhere, as necessary. This includes relevant databases, periodicals literature, collected editions, and/or a variety of other possible materials and resources;
LO4.
Identify findings in the existing literature and research around your project which provide evidence and discussion that is relevant to answering your research question(s) and generate a coherent discussion of these findings;
LO5.
Communicate the results of your research (introduction, literature review, methods, findings, argument, conclusion, etc.) in written, spoken or performative forms, in a style appropriate to the research topic;
LO6.
Demonstrate a conscientious approach to all aspects of scholarly practice, including communication, referencing and citation, intellectual honesty, discipline perspectives.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Performance Workshop and Ensemble Group MM
|
Performance Recital mode only, hurdle requirement |
Week 1 - Week 13
Participation in instrument classes. |
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Thesis Evaluation
|
hurdle requirement |
10/03/2025 - 18/04/2025
Group discussion in class time. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project |
Research Proposal
|
Hurdle requirement |
21/03/2025 5:00 pm |
| Project |
Evidence of Human Research Ethics Approval
|
hurdle requirement (if applicable) |
24/02/2025 - 22/05/2025 |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Formative Performance (Recital Submissions Only)
|
Performance Recital mode only, hurdle requirement |
9/06/2025 - 20/06/2025 |
| Presentation |
Conference Presentation
|
hurdle requirement |
12/09/2025 - 10/10/2025 |
| Thesis | Thesis OR Creative work + Exegesis | 100% |
Complete draft - to be submitted directly to Supervisor 17/10/2025 5:00 pm Thesis due date 31/10/2025 5:00 pm |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Performance Workshop and Ensemble Group MM
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- Performance Recital mode only, hurdle requirement
- Due date
Week 1 - Week 13
Participation in instrument classes.
- Learning outcomes
- L05, L06
Task description
All students electing the Performance Recital mode of submission are required to participate fully in Performance community classes from the core performance units, appropriate to instrument type. This includes Ensemble and Group Music Making, Performance Workshop and Performance Forum.
Hurdle requirements
All students electing the Performance Recital mode of submission are required to participate fully in Performance community classes from the core performance units, appropriate to instrument typeSubmission guidelines
Not a submissible item
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Extensions are not available, as assessment is based on your participation throughout the year.
Thesis Evaluation
- Hurdle
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- hurdle requirement
- Due date
10/03/2025 - 18/04/2025
Group discussion in class time.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L06
Task description
Students will work together in groups to evaluate a thesis or exegesis. Groups will report back to the class.
Hurdle requirements
Participation and engagement is required.Submission guidelines
Not a submissible item.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Extensions are not available, as assessment is based on your participation throughout the year.
Research Proposal
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project
- Weight
- Hurdle requirement
- Due date
21/03/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L06
Task description
After consulting with your advisor, you must submit your finalised research proposal to the Course Coordinator.
The proposal must include:
- project title.
- the outline of your project (maximum 1,500 words), addressing the following criteria:
- background (including references and citations),
- your research question, enquiry or topic,
- critical framework and research methods (including references and citations),
- the links between the exegesis and the recital (if a performance project) or the folio of compositions (if a composition project), and
- the expected original contribution to knowledge.
- progress to date towards obtaining ethics approval, if required.
Your proposal can be an updated version of one that was originally formulated as part of another course (such as MUSC3540, MUSC4410, or MUSC4430), or an updated version of the proposal you submitted to the course coordinator before enrolling in the course. If this is an updated proposal, please include:
- a summary of the changes made in response to critical feedback you have received on the original proposal.
- the course and semester in which the original proposal was submitted.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment is designed to prove the viability of the research proposal to be completed within the time allotted for this course (including reasonable prospects of obtaining ethical clearance in a timely manner).Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension requests must be received on or before the due date. No extensions will be grated afterwards.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Evidence of Human Research Ethics Approval
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- hurdle requirement (if applicable)
- Due date
24/02/2025 - 22/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L06
Task description
For projects that require research involving human subjects or human-related materials, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate approval to conduct this research before you commence data collection.
Research involving human subjects or human-related materials that is not accompanied by the proper approval cannot be accepted for assessment in this course. Moreover, the collection of data from human subjects or using human-materials without such approval is regarded as a form of research misconduct under the University's Policies & Procedures (see: http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/4.20.05-research-misconduct).
Ethics Approval submissions must be lodged and assessed prior to May 22. Allowing 4-5 weeks for the approval process to take place after submission, this means that you should be aiming to submit no later than the first week of April.
If ethics is not approved by May 22, you must either:
- modify your research project such that it can be completed without reliance on research involving human subjects or human-related materials, or
- provide a written explanation as to why you should be allowed to continue on your current research trajectory, including a revised timeline for research. This should be sent to your supervisor and course coordinator for approval by the Ethics Approval submission deadline.
- drop the course.
Please be aware that dropping the course after 31 March means you are financially liable for fees for this course.
For more information on obtaining ethics approval for conducting human-related research, see: https://music.uq.edu.au/student-support/research-ethics-approval-honours-and-coursework-masters.
Hurdle requirements
Research involving human subjects or human-related materials that is not accompanied by the proper approval cannot be accepted for assessment in this course.Submission guidelines
Evidence of ethics approval must be submitted to your supervisor and course coordinator before or on the due date.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
If ethics is not approved by May 22, you must either:
- modify your research project such that it can be completed without reliance on research involving human subjects or human-related materials, or
- provide a written explanation as to why you should be allowed to continue on your current research trajectory, including a revised timeline for research. This should be sent to your supervisor and course coordinator for approval by the Ethics Approval submission deadline.
- drop the course.
Please be aware that dropping the course after 31 March means you are financially liable for fees for this course.
Formative Performance (Recital Submissions Only)
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- Performance Recital mode only, hurdle requirement
- Due date
9/06/2025 - 20/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L05, L06
Task description
The purpose of the Formative Performance Hurdle requirement is for students to submitting through the Performance Recital mode to demonstrate enagement with performance requirements commensurate with the level of repertoire in their final recital. This may include exceprts from the final recital or other work selected for its preparatory utility in approaching repertoire from the final recital.
The Formative Performance should be maximum 15mins and will be scheduled in the first semester exam block.
Hurdle requirements
Students will receive written feedback with an indicative grade (indicative only, not part of marking calculations in this course)Submission guidelines
Not a submissible item.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension requests must be received on or before the due date. No extensions will be grated afterwards.
Conference Presentation
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- hurdle requirement
- Due date
12/09/2025 - 10/10/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Starting in Semester Two, all students must present a 15-minute conference-style presentation on their research project, which will be immediately followed by a 5-minute question and answer session fielding questions from the audience. Presentations may be in the form of a concise overview, or a more detailed exploration of a particular facet of their thesis research.
At a minimum, you must provide your audience with a brief handout that provides a list of works cited in your presentation or consulted in its preparation. You may also use whatever other presentation tools (PowerPoint, audio-visual material, etc.) that you deem suitable to assist with your presentation.
The schedule of presentations will be advised at the beginning of Semester Two. Where possible, your presentation will be scheduled so that your advisor can attend.
All students are expected to attend all presentations and to ask questions and provide feedback on other presentations.
Hurdle requirements
All students are expected to attend all presentations and to ask questions and provide feedback on other presentations.Submission guidelines
Not a submissible item.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension requests must be received on or before the due date. No extensions will be grated afterwards.
Thesis OR Creative work + Exegesis
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Thesis
- Weight
- 100%
- Due date
Complete draft - to be submitted directly to Supervisor 17/10/2025 5:00 pm
Thesis due date 31/10/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Thesis
The thesis is 16000 words in length. The topic will be agreed upon primarily between the student and the advisor, although the advice of the course co-ordinator may also be sought in this matter. Students are strongly urged to follow carefully the advice of the advisor (and course co-ordinator, if applicable) in relation to the matter of topic formulation. Outcomes are much less likely to be satisfactory in cases where the student's topic gives cause for reservation with the advisor.
Creative Practice + Exegesis
There are two possible formats for Creative Practice + Exegesis projects:
- Performance Recital (45-50 mins) plus 8000-word exegesis. A recital program is performed and examined, accompanied by an exegesis with an analytical, historical, or interpretive focus. Succinct program notes must also be included as an appendix and supplied at the performance. Final performances will be scheduled during the Recital Examination bloc at the end of semester 2.
- Composition Portfolio (20 mins) plus 8000-word exegesis. The purpose of the exegesis is to provide a scholarly context and framework by which to fully understand the folio of creative work as the research outcome. Composers will automatically undertake this format.
If you wish to make a case for an alternative to the approaches above, agreement must be sough from your supervisor and course coordinator.
Live performance outputs (creative work) will be programmed in the end of year exam block and should be presented in alignment with 4th year BMus performance expectations.
For matters relating to presentation, you should:
- follow the advice of your supervisor;
- consult the School of Music Academic Writing Guide
- review previous theses that are recommended by the advisor or course co-ordinator as exemplary.
Please note that the deadline for submitting a complete draft of the thesis to your advisor for final review is Friday, Week 11 in Semester Two. Advisors cannot guarantee to read your final draft with sufficient attention after this time as well as have it returned to you with sufficient time for you to take meaningful action on suggestions. (Of course, it is expected that you will have been submitting material throughout the year regularly). Advisors are not obliged to read and respond to lengthy written material after this time.
Additional Comments on the Thesis
Many but not all academic theses follow this standard structure - but note that specific topics may warrant modified approaches. Please consult with your supervisor about the appropriate format for your thesis.
You should be aware that the following elements are usually deemed essential to the production of an academic thesis:
1. Introduction
Stating rationale and/or purpose of study, as well as outlining and elaborating the research topic/question.
2. Body
Usually a number of chapters, comprising, among various possible elements: an examination of current research and related literature to the central purpose of the study leading to relevant research questions and hypotheses (effectively, a literature review); application of a valid research method and approach to address the principal questions or hypotheses, statement of results and discussion of the findings.
3. Conclusion
Synthesising the main aspects of the study. The discussion and anticipation of further study demonstrate an awareness of the implications and further application of the findings in a broader context.
Format
Students should download the MS Word file Honours thesis format from the Learning Resources section of Blackboard and use this to prepare the final draft for submission.
Font
You are required to use 12pt font size, Times New Roman and 1.5 spacing.
Submission guidelines
Submission of the thesis will be via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension requests must be received on or before the due date. No extensions will be grated afterwards.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work is grossly deficient in all areasﾠor largelyﾠincomplete. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work shows little skill in researching a topic, significantly incomplete knowledge of the specific topic, little or no contextual awareness, little or no critical insight, the prose style lacks basic competence, there is no evident engagement with the requirements of scholarly practice.ﾠ (Alternatively, while there is less of a problem in certain areas, the standard of that in others is more in line with that of the grade "1".) |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Work overall fails to show sufficient skill in researching a topic,ﾠspecific knowledge is very limitted, there is insufficientﾠcontext provided for the topic, there is very limittedﾠcritical insight, prose writing has consistent flaws, the level of scholarly practice adopted shows a failure to fully engage with this aspect of the work. (Alternatively, while certain areas might be deemed acceptable in level, the standard in others is more in line with that of the grade "2".) |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates an adequate grasp of basic research skills, fair knowledge of the specific topic but with less awareness of contextual issues, it displays very basic critical insight, prose writing is adequate but lacking in elegance and fluency, an honest attempt is made at adhering to the requirements ofﾠscholarly practice but errors are evident. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates a sound command of research skills, good, although not comprehensive,ﾠknowledge of the topic with an adequate grasp of contextual matters, reasonable critical insight, competentﾠwritten communication, and overall competency with regard to scholarly practice. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates a very solid command of research skills, strong specific knowledge in the topic area with sound grasp of contextual matters, a degree of critical insight, clear and fluent written communication, andﾠconsistency with regard to the requirements of scholarly practice. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates an excellent command ofﾠresearch skills, deep knowledge in the topic areaﾠallied with strong contextual breadth, clear critical insight, highly fluent and lucid written communication, and scrupulous attention to the requirements of scholarlyﾠpractice. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
This course has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.ﾠVisit the UQ Library website for information on what constitutes AI use and how to acknowledge it's use in assessment.
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.ﾠ
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.ﾠIf requested, you must be able to provide time-stamped drafts of your work in English that demonstrate your progression throughout the course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
The Architecture-Music Branch Library is very well stocked with texts related to the field of music research.ﾠ The following is a very select and far from exhaustive list of recent texts, with also a couple of older, but seminal ones:
Beard, David and Kenneth Gloag. Musicology: The Key Concepts. New York: Routledge, 2005.
Clark, Eric and Nicholas Cook, eds. Empirical Musicology: Aims, Methods, Prospects. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004.
Crist, Stephen A. and Roberta Montemorra Marvin, eds. Historical Musicology: Sources, Methods, Interpretations. Rochester: University of Rochester Press, 2004.
Hooper, Giles. The Discourse of Musicology. Aldershot: Ashgate, 2006.
Kerman, Joseph. Musicology. London: Fontana, 1985.
Kramer, Laurence. Critical Musicology and the Responsibility of Response: Selected Essays. Aldershot: Ashgate, 2006.
Moore, Allan, ed.ﾠ Critical Essays in Popular Musicology.ﾠ Aldershot: Ashgate, 2007.
Solie, Ruth A, ed. Musicology and Difference: Gender and Sexuality in Music. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1993.ﾠ
Williams, Alastair. Constructing Musicology. Aldershot: Ashgate, 2001.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Seminar |
Honours Seminar Series Three(3) x 2hr Honours Seminars Semester 1: Friday 10am-12pm (WEEKS 2, 6 and 10 ONLY). Three(3) x 2hr Honours Seminars in Semester 2: Friday 10am-12pm (WEEKS 7, 9 and 10 ONLY). These seminars will be dedicated to student presentations (hurdle requirement). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 26 |
General contact hours |
Supervision and project specific support One-to-one supervision with your appointed advisor. This will be an ongoing arrangement between student and advisor. 1. Thesis
The use of these hours of support should be agreed with your supervisor. 2. Recital and exegesis
To further support the student performance and recital preparation, students electing this mode are required to participate fully in all School of Music Performance activities appropriate to instrument type, including Ensembles and Group Music Making, Workshop and Performance Forum. 3. Composition Folio and exegesis
Draft written materials for discussion at advisory meetings be submitted at least two business days prior to the meeting. This ensures adequate time for the advisor to engage with the work. Late submission or no submission of work will reduce the usefulness and effectiveness of advisory meetings. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
- School of Music site
- Health and Wellbeing for Musicians
Course guidelines
Communication (VERY important, please read carefully):
- The primary means of communication between the staff for this course and enrolled students is by email.
- Only UQ student email addresses will be used for this purpose. By "UQ student email address" we refer only to those addresses taking the form sXXXXXXX@student.uq.edu.au, where XXXXXXX corresponds to the first seven digits of the eight-digit student number each student has assigned to them while enrolled at UQ. Other emails accounts, including other UQ accounts (such as UQ-connect accounts) will NOT be used.
- Students must check this email account regularly (note that regular checking of student email is a requirement for enrolled students under the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL) , see PPL section 6.20.06 Email for Staff and Students, paragraph 6.1).
- Failure to read important notifications about the course as may occur from time to time will NOT be regarded as a valid reason for failing to comply with course requirements.
- Students should also log in regularly to the learn.UQ learning management system and check the blackboard site for announcements. Again, failure to log in regularly to learn.UQ and check the site is NOT considered a valid reason for failing to comply with course requirements.
Student & advisor responsibilities and expectations:
- Students can expect that advisors will read and provide constructive feedback on their work in a timely fashion. They can also expect advice on formulating research questions, research strategies, and so on. Students should not expect advisors to act as proof readers or copy editors, although they can expect general guidance on writing and style.
- Advisors can expect that students maintain contact proactively—i.e. students should take responsibility for approaching their advisors; advisors are not expected to chase students up. Advisors can also expect that students take seriously the feedback provided and where they disagree or do not understand, to approach the problem constructively.
- Both parties can expect the working relationship to be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and good faith.
- It is largely up to the student and the advisor to make arrangements for supervision and progress for the topic; both parties, however, have recourse to the course co-ordinator to intervene if need be. In cases where the course co-ordinator and the advisor are the same person, the student may take matters up with the school's Director of Teaching and Learning.