Module Information

Module Identifier

TP36000

Module Title

Dissertation

Academic Year

2013/2014

Co-ordinator

Professor Heike Pearson Roms

Semester

Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)

Pre-Requisite

Successful completion of Part 1

Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type	Delivery length / details
Lecture	10 x 2 hour lectues
Seminars / Tutorials	Supervision tutorials

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment length / details	Proportion

Aims

This module forms part of the review of the Part II curriculum in Theatre, Film and Television Studies. The module replaces current modules - TF32410 Research Methods and the dissertation modules, TF32820/DR33720/MC32820.

Brief description

This module enables students to conduct advanced supervised independent research into an area of theatre, drama, performance and scenographic studies and film, television, media and communication studies that is of particular interest to them. Students will be given the opportunity of devising, planning, researching and writing a substantive piece of critical and analytical work (10, 000 words). In addition, students will be equipped with the pre-requisite research methods which will allow them to undertake this independent research project.

Content

Lectures during Semester 1 will provide students with basic research training - how to plan a project, how to establish a viable research question, how o identify suitable methodology, how to identify relevant reading and how to compile a reference list.

Following the initial sessions, studets will be allocated a supervisor who will work with the student on refining the research proposal and on more topic-specific research methods. The remainder of the module will focus on supervisory meetings and writing the dissertation.

Lecture content:

1. WHAT IS: a dissertation?
2. HOW TO: idetify a research question
3. HOW TO: identify a mehodology
4. HOW TO: structure and present your dissertation
5. HOW TO: write a research propsal and plan your dissertation
6. SOURCES AND RESOURCES 1: Online archives and databases
7. SOURCES AND RESOURCES 2: What is an archive and how can I use it?
8. SOURCES AND RESOURCES 3: National Library
9. Research Ethics
10. Research in Action

Module Skills

Skills Type	Skills details
Application of Number	This is not developed in this module.
Communication	Written comunication will be developed through the writing of the dissertation. Oral communication is not formally developed in the context of this module.
Improving own Learning and Performance	Students' own learning and performance will be enhanced through the regular tutorial meetings.
Information Technology	This is not developed explicitly in this module but students will be required to use electronic sources for research material.
Personal Development and Career planning	Although not developed explicitly, this module may serve as a starting point fo those wishing to study at a more advanced level (e.g. taught postgraduate or doctoral level).
Problem solving	This is developed as an inherent part of the research process through the research questions formulated as part of the dissertation.
Research skills	These will be developed initially as students compile the annotated bibliography but will be developed further durin the research pocess prior to writing the dissertation.
Subject Specific Skills	See QAA Dance, Drama and Performace Subject Benchmak Statement (Version 2007).
Team work	Team work is not developed in this module given the independent nature of the dissertation.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6