Module Identifier
PFM0410
Module Title
PRACTICE AS RESEARCH
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Professor Mike Pearson
Semester
Semester 2
Pre-Requisite
PFM0130
Pre-Requisite
DRM0530
Pre-Requisite
PFM0230 or restructured
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment PRESENTATION OR DISSERTATION  a) Practice-as-research proposal as presentation: 15 minutes duration with 15 minutes of questioning. This presentation should include an outline of the conceptual, devising and implementation strategies and techniques to be employed in the realization of practice-as-research project. The proposal with include statement of purpose, theme or topic, conceptual strategies, outline of methodologies and compositional approaches, resource management and appreciation of proposal in relation to genealogies of performance and to course work. The presentation may include the use of video, slides, sound, data projection, OHP and elements of live demonstration and performative exposition. Presented before two assessors. This presentation will be videoed for scrutiny by the external examiner and departmental records. Or b) Practice-as-research or dissertation proposal in writing: 2,500 words plus submission and evaluation of bibliography and resources.   100%
Supplementary Assessment a) Resit as conceptual presentation Or b) Resit as written dissertation proposal Resits of assignments when necessary and in accordance with the conditions and timetable set by the university.   100%

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able:
1. to demonstrate an advanced understanding of the demands of practical and analytical research at the postgraduate level
2. to effectively employ advanced skills in differentiating between a variety of approaches to practice-as-research
3. to demonstrate mature personal responsibility for the formulation of an individual research proposal and methodology
4. to effectively formulate complex ideas in project design
5. to convincingly organize and present conceptual ideas

Content

Indicative sessions might include:
1. Performance as research.
2. Project design
3. Approaches to implementation
4. Documentation: notation; use of media; performance writing
5. Formulating a proposal
6. Post-presentation analysis
7. Writing as critical reflection
8. Writing as dissertation

N.B. Students choosing to completed module PFM0660 solely by dissertation will be offered further opportunities within the department and institution for research training.

Brief description

This is a training module that explores research procedures and methodologies to enable students to write a coherent and realistic proposal for their final research project/dissertation (PFM0660)

Aims

The aim of this module is:
a) to develop student awareness and skills regarding postgraduate research methods in practice-as-research
b) to inform students of relevant research concepts and processes in practice-as-research
c) to encourage competence in study methods in both analytical research and practice-as-research

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Improving own Learning and Performance Development of original project design.
Information Technology Used in research and essay writing: assessment requires evidence of individual research and appropriate presentation.
Personal Development and Career planning Development and assessment of project design
Problem solving Development of ability to create research proposal
Research skills Development of coherent research proposal.
Subject Specific Skills Application of concept of practice-as-research
Team work Development of group project design

Reading List

Recommended Text
Anderson, J & Poole, M (1998) Assignment and Thesis Writing (3rd ed) Brisbane: John Wiley Primo search Bell, J (1999) Doing your research project: a guide for first-time researchers in education Buckingham: Open University Press Primo search Berry, R (2000) The Research Project: How to Write It (4th ed) London & NY: Routledge Primo search Burgess, R (1997) Practice based doctorates in creative and performing arts and design UK Council for Graduate Education Primo search Carlson, Marvin (1996) Performance: A Critical Introduction Routledge Primo search Counsell, C & Wolf, L (2001) Performance analysis: an introductory coursebook Routledge Primo search Daboo, J (2003) Studies in Theatre and Performance 23 (2) Removing the writing from the wall and then recovering the call: cultivating a sense of the ridiculous in practice as research Primo search Ferre, J, P (1983) Merrill Guide to the Research Paper Columbus, Ohio: Merrill Primo search Gibaldi, J (1999) MLA handbook for writers of research papers 5th Ed New York: Modern Languages Association of America Primo search Higgins, R (1996) Approaches to research: a handbook for those writing a dissertation London: Jessica Kingsley Primo search Moore, N (2000) How to do research: the complete guide to designing and managing research London: Library Association Primo search Seale, C (1998) Researching society and culture London: SAGE Primo search Silverman, D (2000) Doing qualitative research: a practical handbook Thousand Oaks CA; London: SAGE Primo search Trimington, M (2002) Studies in Theatre and Performance 22 (1) A methodology for practice as research Primo search Turabian, K, L (1996) A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations (6th ed) Chicago: University of Chicago Primo search Watson, G (1987) Writing a thesis: a guide to long essays and dissertations London: Longman Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7