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 are supported in the development of the project via Film and Television research 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 an initial 1500 word plan (15%) which includes an initial literature review and proposed research schedule, and a 7500 word final dissertation or project submission (85%).

The module allows students to produce either a dissertation derived from theoretical concerns around Film and Television, or a more practically-focused research project investigating in detail a particular aspect of the film and television production process. The latter option may include a reflective study of an element of production which is linked to students own creative practice. The subject matter of the dissertation can be theoretical, technical, or historical, should be closely related to the student’s main field of study and be complimentary to their practice.

Aims:

To enable students to initiate a specialist project of their own choosing, which draws on the knowledge, creative and practical 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 reflect on their own creative practice, 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.

N/A

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 within the field of Film and Television.

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.

LO1-4

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.
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:

1. Plan and undertake a sustained piece of theory/practice and/or written work which requires independent research, editing and redrafting;
2. Prepare and bring to timely completion a scholarly written project or a piece of reflective research with critical commentary with appropriate attention to presentation, citational and bibliographical conventions;
3. 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.
4. 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.

The project plan (15%) assessment allows students to demonstrate an understanding of the background to their proposed dissertation/research project via an initial literature review, and an understanding of the appropriate research methods or approach to the topic. Following summative feedback on the plan and further formative feedback via ongoing tutorials, the final submission (85%) builds on the plan whereby students produce an academically formatted and presented dissertation using appropriate conventions, and demonstrating a critical perspective and depth of analysis.

Identify core and additional reading
Liaise with Library Services to confirm availability of on-line licenses in academic year

Where possible, the most current version of reading materials is used during the delivery of this module.  Comprehensive reading lists are provided to students in their handbooks.  Reading Lists will be updated annually.

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