Module Identifier
SG31630
Module Title
RESEARCH INTO PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Mr Richard D Downing
Semester
Semester 2
Pre-Requisite
SG31730
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
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 student'r 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

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number * Tackle problems involving number within IT data handling
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
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
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
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
Team work * Knowledge sharing through discussion. * Understand the concept of group dynamics. * Play an active part in group discussion

Reading List

Recommended Text
Benson, Phil and Toogood, Sarah (2002.) Challenges to research and practice. Dublin: Authentik Language Learning Resources, Primo search 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 Primo search Clough, Peter and Nutbrown, Cathy: (2002.) A student's guide to methodology: justifying enquiry. London: SAGE, Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6