module specification

This module allows students to explore in depth a theory or theory/practice topic of their own choice, arising out of their study at levels 4 and 5 (subject to supervisor approval). Students have formulated an initial plan in the level 5 module ‘Representation and Identity’. Students are further supported in the development of the project via Film Studies workshops at the beginning of the academic year and at intervals throughout. 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 with outline, treatment and theoretical statement (90%) and the project management (10%).

To enable students to initiate a specialist project of their own choosing, which draws on the knowledge, creative skills and the main concepts and theories introduced at levels 4 and 5.
To allow students to consolidate and enhance their basic research methods and presentation skills.

To allow students to initiate, develop and realise distinctive and creative work in writing or in visual media.
To enable students to work independently and solve problems with facilitation from tutors and peers.
To apply and further develop students’ organisational and planning skills in ways that correspond to the expectations of graduate employers.

The content of this module will vary according to the chosen topic. The topic will developed from the students’ prior learning achieved on the modules at levels 4 and 5 and by the students’ areas of interest.  Students will formulate a project proposal, including aims, method and a basic research and writing plan. The student will project manage the project according to milestones agreed with the supervisor and s/he will shape the project according to the feedback provided at the meetings with the facilitator and in the workshops with other students researching projects in the discipline.
 
The chosen topic must involve research, reading and reflection at a depth appropriate for a 30 credit level 6 module

The project is a piece of supervised independent learning. During the academic year, students will meet for tutor-facilitated group workshops (one per term) in order to develop their ideas in collaboration with their peers. These workshops will be continued and supported by group discussions on the WebLearn site. Students will meet face-to-face or online with their assigned tutor at least twice per term for the duration of the academic year. Students will work towards milestones of achievement agreed in advance. Supervisors will give feedback, either online or in person, at all of these stages.
As part of the Personal Development Portfolio, students will be expected to reflect orally in supervisions on their developing research, filmmaking and creative skills as well as their ability to manage their project efficiently.

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

Plan and undertake a sustained piece of theory/practice and/or written work which requires independent research, editing and redrafting;

Prepare and bring to timely completion a scholarly written project or a piece of filmmaking with critical commentary with appropriate attention to presentation, citational and bibliographical conventions;

Effectively communicate the ideas in a specific and specialist field of the discipline and evaluate them critically, as well as shape their own arguments and creative ideas in response.

Develop the generic, transferable skills required by employers in 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.

Formative assessment will comprise submission and discussion of drafts of the writing plan with the individual supervisor, and then submission and discussion of the draft of one complete chapter of the project with the supervisor. Work will be discussed in face-to-face supervisions and/or online. Students will be expected to initiate a minimum of two contacts per term 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.

Summative assessment will comprise:

1. Evidence of project management, including: written presentation of the initial and amended project plans, organisation of tutorials, attendance at workshop. Evidence of genuine independent research, whether it is a written project or a practical piece of filmmaking with a commentary, is required, for example by inclusion of a bibliography in the project plan and other research notes as discussed with the supervisor.

2. Submission of final project.

The following general books on researching and writing a project will be useful. However, all students will be advised by their supervisor on reading specific for their chosen topic.

Tom Burns and Sandra Sinfield, Essential Study Skills (London: Sage, 2008), pp. 223–35.

Peter Levin, Excellent Dissertations!: Planning, Managing and writing a Dissertation Project for Undergraduates and Taught Postgraduates (Maidenhead: Open University Press, 2005).

LIBRARY LINK to resources on project writing:

http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/celt/celt-for-students/study-skills-collection.cfm