module specification

This module allows students to explore in depth a theory, theory and practice or practice topic of their own choice, arising out of their study at levels 4 and 5 (subject to supervisor approval). Their individual study is facilitated by a tutor assigned to the project according to subject specialism.

This module is mainly self-managed by the student with facilitation by a specialist in the chosen subject. Students’ individual work is supported by regular consultation and feedback from their tutor and peer-led workshops.

The project incorporates both formative and summative assessment. Students will present their project plan orally in a subject specific workshop and in written form to their project supervisor. The summative assessment consists of the actual project, either a written project or a film and/or performance project with outline, treatment and theoretical statement.

Completion and Pass (120 credits) of previous level.

The content of this module will vary according to the chosen topic. The topic will be developed from the student’s prior learning achieved on the modules at levels 4 and 5 and by the student’s areas of interest.  Students will formulate a project proposal, including aims, methods and an overall research and/or practice plan. The student will project manage the work according to milestones agreed with the supervisor and s/he will shape the project according to the feedback provided and in the workshops with other students researching projects in the discipline.

Students may be given the option to develop their work in line with the BA Theatre and Performance Practice Graduation Festival, though this must abide to the Festival’s theme and timetable.

Learning Outcomes LO1 - LO6

Scheduled teaching ensures that independent study is effective and addresses the learning outcomes and assessment tasks. Students are expected to (and to have the opportunity to) continue with their studies outside of scheduled classes. There will be a range of learning strategies deployed and individual learning styles will be accommodated. The module’s learning outcomes, its contents and delivery, have been scrutinised and will be regularly reviewed to ensure an inclusive approach to pedagogic practice.

The module and course use the University’s blended learning platform to support and reinforce learning, to foster peer-to-peer communication and to facilitate tutorial support for students. Reflective learning is promoted through assessment items and interim formative feedback points that ask students to reflect on their progress, seek help where they identify the opportunity for improvement in learning strategies and outcomes, and make recommendations to themselves for future development. Throughout the module, students build a body of work, including reflections on progress and achievement.

The School’s programme of employability events and embedded work-related learning within the curriculum supports students’ personal development planning. Through these initiatives, students are increasingly able, as they progress from year to year, to understand the professional environment of their disciplines, the various opportunities available to them, and how to shape their learning according to their ambitions.

The following learning and teaching strategies are employed in the course of this module:
• multimedia lectures;
• student-led seminars;
• online activities through blended learning approaches;
• practical creative tasks (occasional practical workshops, creative writing, design, photography and videography);
• visits to relevant points of interest;
• interviews with professionals in the industry;
• live presentations.

On completion of this module students will be able to:
Cognitive intellectual abilities
LO1: plan and undertake a sustained piece of theory/practice and/or written work which requires independent research and development;
LO2: identify the conceptual framework of one’s work, referencing current debates and practices in the subject;

Transferable skills
LO3: prepare and bring to timely completion a scholarly written project or a piece of practice-based work with critical commentary with appropriate attention to academic and professional conventions;
LO4: develop the generic, transferable skills required by employers in theatre, film and television, for example effective and appropriate communication with peers and managers of learning, meeting deadlines, initiating meetings, planning and delivering a project to time, clear and cogent oral and written communication skills;

Subject specific skills
LO5: identify and implement strategies and solutions that are tailored to the specific project undertaken and its conceptual framework;
LO6: demonstrate rigorous knowledge and approaches, specific to the context and the content of the project.

Assessment for this module will be structured  in two parts:

1) Process - LO1, LO2, LO3, LO5

This formative assessment depends on the nature of the work itself, but may comprise submission and discussion of drafts of the research and/or practice plan with the individual supervisor, and then submission and discussion of the draft of one complete chapter of the project and/or an agreed practical aspect of the work with the supervisor. Work will be discussed in face-to-face supervisions and/or online. Students will be expected to maintain regular contact with their individual supervisor and to submit regular work towards the agreed milestones. Formative assessment will also include attendance of and participation in all scheduled workshops. Students will receive oral feedback from their tutor and their peers at the workshop in which they present their project proposal.

2) Submitted Project - LO1, LO2, LO4, LO6

This is the main assessment component, the topic and form of which will be agreed by the student with the supervisor. This may be:

a) written project, in the form of a dissertation
Submission of written project 7,500 words

b) practice-based project (theatre, film or combined), in the form of a live performance, screening or interdisciplinary work. The nature of this will be agreed with the supervisor, but typically the work should be a minimum of 20 minutes in duration. This is supported by written documentation, comprising of approximately 2,000 words.

Students will be advised by their supervisor on reading specific for their chosen topic and will be accordingly encouraged to identify their own bibliography.
Core reading:
Barone, T. and Eisner, E. (2012) Art based research, [e-book] Los Angeles: Sage.
Nelson, R. (2013) Practice as research in the arts, [e-book] Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Burns, T. and Sinfield, S. (2008) Essential Study Skills, London: Sage
Levin, P. (2005)  Excellent Dissertations: Planning, Managing and writing a Dissertation Project for Undergraduates and Taught Postgraduates, Maidenhead: Open University Press
Secondary sources
http://bobnational.net/
http://www.jstor.org/
http://www.vam.ac.uk/page/t/theatre-and-performance/
http://www.bfi.org.uk/explore-film-tv
http://www.narodni-divadlo.cz/en/laterna-magika?lang=en
http://www.ubuweb.com/