Module Identifier SG31630  
Module Title RESEARCH INTO PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Mr Richard D Downing  
Semester Intended for use in future years  
Next year offered N/A  
Next semester offered N/A  
Other staff Mr Simon J Banham, Mr Nick Strong, Miss Rebecca A Mitchell  
Pre-Requisite SG31730  
Course delivery Lecture   4 x 1.5 hrs  
  Seminars / Tutorials   14 x 1 hour  
  Practical   5 x 2 hours  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment 1. Self-directed Research Project (3500 word text + supporting visual/aural material).50%
Semester Assessment 2. Personal Portfolio published in electronic (DVD) format.50%
Supplementary Assessment The methods of assessment permit re-sit via re-submission. 

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Critically review, consolidate and extend a systematic and coherent body of knowledge concerning a major contemporary practitioner in the field Scenography.
2. Utilise specialized research and documentation skills across a self-determined area of study.
3. Demonstrate the ability to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes.
4. Apply the relevant Media; IT systems; graphical, presentation and DTP software appropriate to the development of a personal, electronically published portfolio.
5. Critically evaluate and exercise judgement on the value of diverse media and compositional techniques employed in the preparation of documents of self-presentation.

Brief description

This final semester module projects students attention beyond their undergraduate scheme, and encourages analysis and debate of potential postgraduate pathways in research and professional practice. In consultation with the course tutors, students engage in this analysis and debate through the execution of two, self-determined exercises: a close analysis (involving placement, where possible) of a contemporary scenographer or company, and the production of a substantial personal portfolio which presents students work to date and identifies their prospective interests in areas of research or professional practice.

Aims

This final semester module projects students attention beyond their undergraduate scheme, and encourages analysis and debate of potential postgraduate pathways in research and professional practice. In consultation with the course tutors, students engage in this analysis and debate through the execution of two, self-determined exercises:
1. An extensive research exercise involving the close examination, analysis and documentation (involving placement, where possible) of the work of a scenographer or professional company engaged in the kind of professional practice that students might wish to pursue themselves upon graduation.
2. The production of a substantial personal portfolio of material, published in electronic format, creatively presenting and documenting the students output to date and indicating his/her direction of interest in the fields of either postgraduate study or professional practice. The Teaching and Learning of this module will be structured with a view to this portfolio having an immediate transferable value in presenting the student positively to relevant bodies and organizations.

Content

There are four strands to the teaching content of this module:

1. A series of (4) lecture/presentations by professional scenographers and/or academic researchers within the field.
2. A series of (5) tutorials dedicated to research methodology and practice.
3. A series of (5) tutorials and (5) practical workshops dedicated to personal portfolio composition and presentation.
4. A series of (4) advanced IT and media-specific training sessions concerning DVD production.

Module Skills

Problem_solving * Identify conceptual problems * Identify factors which might influence potential solutions * Develop creative thinking approaches to problem solving * Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of potential solutions * Construct a rational proposal in response to a problem  
Research skills * Understand a range of research methods * Plan and carry out research * Evaluate research methods, design and procedures  
Communication * Read in different contexts and for different purposes * Speak in different contexts and for different purposes (inc presentation and discussion) * Listen effectively  
Improving own Learning and Performance * Devise and apply realistic learning and self management strategies  
Team work * Knowledge sharing through discussion. * Understand the concept of group dynamics. * Play an active part in group discussion  
Information Technology * Use a range of commonly used software packages * Use several specialist software packages * Present information and data * Use email /internet appropriately and effectively  
Application of Number * Tackle problems involving number within IT data handling  
Personal Development and Career planning * Develop awareness of personal skills, beliefs and qualities in relation to course/career progression * Plan and prepare for future course/career * Market skills, experience and achievement effectively through a diversity of media * Understand and use a range of job search strategies  

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Benson, Phil and Toogood, Sarah (2002.) Challenges to research and practice. Dublin: Authentik Language Learning Resources,
British Library Research and Development Department Office for Humanities Communication on behalf of the British Library and the British Academy, (1993.) Information technology in humanities scholarship: British achievements, prospects and barriers. Oxford
Clough, Peter and Nutbrown, Cathy: (2002.) A student's guide to methodology: justifying enquiry. London: SAGE,

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6