MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: UACAFR-30-M Title: Critical Research Practice Version: 2

Level: M UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15

Module type: Project

Owning Faculty: Creative Arts Field: Culture & Media Studies

Faculty Committee approval: Chair’s action Date: October 2010

Approved for Delivery by: indicate name of affiliated institution if module will only be delivered by them

Valid from: September 2010 Discontinued from:

Contributes towards: Awards up to MA

Pre-requisites:

Co-requisites:

Excluded combinations:

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this module the student should be able to demonstrate the ability:

    v to formulate research questions that have the potential to generate new knowledge in their chosen field (assessed through component A element 1 & 2)

    v to provide a coherent rationale for choosing between different methods and approaches in the design of a research project (assessed through component A element 1 & 2)

    v to argue coherently, drawing on appropriate evidence and theoretical approaches assessed through component A element 2)

    v to undertake sustained, innovative, creative independent scholarship and research (assessed through component A element 2)

    v to employ a rigorous, critical and creative approach to cultural analysis and critique (assessed through component A element 1 and 2)

Syllabus outline:

This module is designed in order to develop the independent research skills required for a large-scale dissertation project at Masters level. It is intended to foster greater independence amongst the cohort. The module will place a specific emphasis on developing a critical and reflexive approach to research from question initiation through to final review and analysis of findings.

The module content will be based around case studies which situate ideas and approaches within an historical context as well as foregrounding different critical and analytical perspectives. Examples of possible lines of research and potential perspectives would be:

Lines of research:

    • Cultural History

    • Science and Technology

    • Screen Media

    • Visual Culture

To be studied from the perspectives of:

    • Lived experience

    • Affinities and identities

    • Texts and textualities

Whilst not all the significant debates and topics can be covered in any given year, the module will emphasise an engagement with writing, reading and research as forms of academic practice. The students will design and complete a self-initiated project around an object of their choice (though with staff approval). Students will help to organise and will present their findings at a symposium at the end of their studies.

Teaching and learning methods:

This module will be taught using blended learning methods. There will be a mix of direct staff/student contact time and learning at a distance. The main focus of teaching will be the module web site in Blackboard. A detailed programme of work will be created, drawing mainly upon digitised resources. This programme will integrate questions and exercises and offer spaces for student reflection. The module will also make use of the communication features in Blackboard including student groups, discussion boards and shared file space. Students will be encouraged to share information, comment upon each other’s work and reflect upon their learning both individually and through discussion. Students will also be encouraged to contribute to an archive of shared electronic resources. Teaching staff will play an active role in instigating topics for discussion, moderating discussion forums and commenting on work being presented.

Reading Strategy

As this module is based around the development and support of small-scale independent research projects there is no fixed set of texts that will be appropriate for all students. Teaching staff will provide key texts as appropriate to the case studies and themes that are the focus of the module in any given year. These key texts will be distributed to all students, will be held in the library and wherever possible these will be made available online. The students will be working on the identification, engagement and review of literature relevant to their own projects and will be actively encouraged through workshops and tutorials to make use the full range of learning resources at their disposal.

Assessment

Weighting between components A: 100%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A

Description of each element

Element weighting

1 Research Diary 25%

2 Independent Research Project (6,000 words or equivalent) 75%

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is/is not required)

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

1 Research Diary 25%

2 Independent Research Project (6,000 words or equivalent) 75%

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is/is not required.

Specification confirmed by ………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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