Module Information

Module Identifier
FM36000
Module Title
Independent Research Project
Academic Year
2024/2025
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Dissertation  10000 Words  70%
Semester Assessment Research Proposal  2500 Words  30%
Supplementary Assessment Dissertation  10000 Words  70%
Supplementary Assessment Research Proposal  2500 Words  30%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Engage in a sustained piece of individual, academic research on a chosen topic within the relevant disciplinary field.

Read widely and critically reflect on a number of pieces of written research in an appropriate and thorough manner.

Think through varying methodological approaches and to adopt the necessary approaches suitable to the topic being researched.

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

The module aims to:

  • 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

Course delivery:

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