Unit name | Independent Study: Dissertation |
---|---|
Unit code | THTR30018 |
Credit points | 40 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
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 |
None |
School/department | Department of Theatre |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
This unit provides a structured and supervised opportunity for final-year students to propose and pursue an independent research project, written on an agreed topic of interest within the areas of theatre and performance studies. Students work with a supervisor to identify research questions or concerns, to determine appropriate research methods, formulate their argument and structure a dissertation. It offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their command of academic research and writing skills on a large-scale project, and to prepare for postgraduate study. The dissertation findings will be presented as part of Gradfest, the student-produced showcase of graduating students’ work.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study:
This unit follows on from and develops the research and essay-writing skills students have been developing throughout the degree. It is a capstone project giving you the chance to apply those skills to a topic or question of your choice.
Overview
Students will work with Independent Study students on all pathways throughout TB1 to develop professionalisation, pitching and project management, and research skills to help prepare students to write a project proposal (abstract) at the end of TB1. An appropriate supervisor will be assigned based on the abstract. After determining the area of enquiry, students work with a named supervisor throughout TB2 to develop, structure and deliver a dissertation. The dissertation’s findings and argument will be shared with a public audience as part of Gradfest, the student-produced showcase of graduating students’ work.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will develop advanced research and communication skills, presenting arguments both orally and in writing. They will also develop project management skills in organising, scheduling and completing a complex piece of work to a strict deadline,
Students will develop the skills and confidence needed to embark on postgraduate study and/or employment.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Teaching will be delivered using a blend of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, group tutorials, production meetings and rehearsal observation. In TB1, lecture, seminar and on-line discussion sessions will largely be focussed on professionalisation and research methodologies and on formulating initial research proposals and groups, culminating in the initial abstract. In TB2, initial meetings between students and supervisors will establish the parameters of the dissertation’s scope and impact. Once these parameters have been established, students will meet regularly and individually with their supervisor to develop their specific project. In addition to supervisory meetings, small-group meetings, including writing retreats, will further support students’ progress.
Tasks which do not count towards your unit mark but are required for credit (zero-weighted):
1,250 word Research Proposal (initial abstract) detailing the research question and rationale (ILOs 1, 2)
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative)
80% 10,000 word dissertation (ILOs 1-4)
20% Poster presentation of research findings for public audience (ILO 4)
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the form or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are normally confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the academic year.
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. THTR30018).
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.