| Unit name | Independent Research Project |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THTRM0011 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Wozniak |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one | |
| School/department | Department of Theatre |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit provides a structured and supervised opportunity for M Level students to pursue a small independent research project on an agreed topic of interest within the areas of theatre and performance studies. It will enable students to design and develop a defined and focused specialist practical, historical, methodological, and/or conceptual interest under the guidance of a member of Theatre’s academic staff. Through this unit, students will have the opportunity to explore particular topics in more depth than is offered within existing taught units.
Assessment will normally be through a 5000 word essay. However, students who are appropriately qualified or trained may develop, with agreement from Theatre staff, a practical project as an Independent Research Project, which will be assessed through submission of a portfolio of performance documentation, which might combine different media, equivalent to 5000 words .
Students will work with a supervisor to identify research questions or concerns, to determine appropriate research methods, formulate their argument and structure an effective extended essay. They will have regular supervisions to monitor and support progress.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able:
(1) to formulate appropriate research questions and concerns relating to M level study of theatre and performance studies;
(2) to assess and determine appropriate methodologies and resources for exploring these questions;
(3) to develop and execute independent lines of enquiry suitable to M-level;
(4) to demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of a range of primary and secondary sources relevant to the topic of research;
(5) to carry out independent research and develop lines of inquiry, drawing on a range of sources and applying conceptual/theoretical frameworks in an advanced way;
(6) to demonstrate a deeper, critically informed, knowledge and understanding of a broad range of past and present critical and theoretical debates in theatre and performance studies appropriate to M Level;
(7) to gather, organise and use information in a well-formulated argument, articulate and structure points effectively in a written form, supporting ideas with appropriate referencing;
(8) to apply with confidence a range of theoretical ideas, and have developed a critical approach towards them;
(9) to articulate complex conceptual critical and theoretical thinking fluently, present scholarly writing in an appropriate format, using consistent academic references.
5 x 1 hour supervisions with academic supervisor
5,000 word essay (100%) ILO 1-9.
OR
Portfolio of performance documentation equivalent to 5000 words (100%) ILO 1-9.
Either submission should include an 200-word Abstract, which outlines the research questions, concerns and methodology, and summarises the research project.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. THTRM0011).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
