Exegetical essentials: a framing structure and template for a comprehensive exegesis in the creative arts

Abstract

For over two decades, the number of candidates undertaking, and completing, researchhigher degrees in the discipline of creative arts has continued to grow, yet the anxietyassociated with the exegesis, or critical component, to the award has not dissipated. Thisarticle reports the views of a small number of research higher degree candidates and their supervisor in response to questions posed by the TEXT ‘Exegesis now’ call for papers. In this sample, the exegesis was perceived as a necessary and useful component to theaward by all respondents, who are completing diverse creative projects. However,respondents also express some anxiety and uncertainty over what is required in theexegesis in terms of formal, structural and compositional elements. Discussion of theviews expressed by respondents identifies common challenges and proposes a numberof strategies that may provide greater certainty and alleviate some of the anxiety forcandidates and their supervisors. It includes a template for a comprehensive exegesis andtwo ways the exegesis can be structured to form a rigorous frame around, and supportivecomplement to the creative work.