Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | 10,000 word Dissertation | 70% |
| Semester Assessment | Research Proposal (2500 words) | 30% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 10,000 word Dissertation | 70% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Research Proposal (2500 words) | 30% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Engage in a sustained piece of individual, academic research on a chosen topic within the relevant disciplinary field.
2. Read widely and critically reflect on a number of pieces of written research in an appropriate and thorough manner.
3. Think through varying methodological approaches and to adopt the necessary approaches suitable to the topic being researched.
4. Produce a dissertation that evaluates and synthesises written materials, and displays evidence of independent research skills.
Brief description
This module enables students to conduct advanced supervised independent research into an area of theatre, performance, film, television and media 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.
Aims
- equip students with the necessary skills to devise, plan, research and write a substantive piece of critical and analytical work.
- deepen students' knowledge of research methods, methodologies and theoretical frames.
- develop students' abilities to structure an argument in a coherent and convincing manner in an extended piece of writing.
- develop students' abilities to work independently.
- prepare students for further study at postgraduate level or research in other professional contexts.
Content
10 x 2 hour Lecture/Workshops (Semester 1)
6 x 30 minute Dissertation Tutorials with supervisors (Semester 2)
Lectures during Semester 1 will provide students with basic research training – how to plan a project, how to establish a viable research question, how to identify suitable methodology, how to identify relevant reading and how to compile a reference list:
1. What is a dissertation?
2. How to focus your topic and identify a research question
3. How to structure and present your dissertation
4. How to identify and implement a methodology
5. How to write a research proposal and plan your process
6. How to conduct your research in an ethical way
7. Sources and Resources 1: Finding reliable sources online
8. Sources and Resources 2: National Library
9. Research in Action: Case Studies
10. FAQ – Submission details
After submitting an indicative research topic, students will be allocated a supervisor (in week 2 or 3 of Semester 1) who will work with the student on refining the research proposal and on more topic-specific research methods. In Semester 2 the focus of the module shifts to supervisory meetings and writing the dissertation.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | |
| Communication | Written communication 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. The research proposal assignment will assist students in evaluating their own learning needs and acting on feedback toward their final dissertation. |
| 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 for 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 during the research process prior to writing the dissertation. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Critical scholarly writing skills within the disciplinary fields are developed in this module. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the literature within their field of interest. |
| 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