Film Dissertation

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• relevant theoretical approaches applicable to your chosen area of study
• a chosen area of investigation which reflects and embodies your own particular expertise and enthusiasm
• how rigorous intellectual inquiry within a relatively narrow field of study can nevertheless inform and enhance a wider engagement with one or more constituent disciplines

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• organize your ideas in a systematic and fully developed fashion
• analyse, evaluate and synthesise primary and secondary sources
• demonstrate originality of thought and approach, moving beyond a simple synthesis of secondary materials
• make relevant connections between different critical methodologies and use, where appropriate, interdisciplinary modes of approaching the subject
• arrive at a series of informed and nuanced conclusions as a consequence of sustained inquiry and reflection
• engage with critical debate through sustained argument over an extended piece of work
• craft a structured and fully developed exposition of those same conclusions

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• employ general research skills such as information retrieval and library searches
• where appropriate, develop relevant empirical research techniques
• engage in interpretation and critical commentary in order to develop at length a chosen line of argument.
• employ the appropriate use of web-based research and display general competence in using electronic research methods and data

The dissertation is an extended piece of work, usually divided into chapters and amounting to 8000 words in length. The topic and content are determined by you. The module provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate how much you have learnt and acquired in years one and two of your degree programme. It will enable you to develop in depth an area of study of your own choice, however, the topic will be chosen in consultation with a member of the Film Studies teaching staff.

The dissertation must conform to the guidelines with respect to format, house style and referencing as laid down in the programme handbook. The final draft must have a clear structure and the standard of written English must demonstrate your familiarity with the basic principles of grammar, punctuation and sentence construction. The ability to communicate in a clear, coherent, and attractive fashion will enhance the overall quality of the dissertation.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

• one-to-one supervision with your tutor
• a series of workshops and seminars on a range of topics related to the preparation for and writing of the dissertation

Learning activities include

• engaging in genuinely independent learning through gathering, assimilating, synthesising, and interpreting information pertinent to your chosen topic of inquiry

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

T. Bowell and G Kemp (2001). Critical Thinking: A Concise Guide. Routledge.

R Preece (1994). Starting Research: An Introduction to Academic Research and Dissertation Writing. Cassell.

R. Berry (2000). The Research Project: How to Write It. Routledge.

S Stein (1999). Learning, Teaching and Researching on the Internet. Longman.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External