MFC6234 - Media, Film & Culture Research A

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
define a topic, relating to media, suitable for a study of 8,000 words
take into account ethical considerations in the planning and carrying out of research
demonstrate research skills in investigating the topic, evaluating and synthesising appropriate academic and primary sources
demonstrate critical understanding of relevant contexts for study of the topic
produce a written account of research in accordance with scholarly conventions, communicating a sustained argument supported by appropriate forms of evidence and theoretical frameworks and concepts

Content:

The module develops the nature of academic research and builds on skills introduced in Levels 4 and 5. Students apply specific research skills to an extended piece of independent work. Each student will negotiate an appropriate topic with a tutor, proposals from the level 5 Researching MFC module will provide the initial starting point for students’ research, albeit these can be modified based on feedback from the tutor. The topic will reflect their personal interests, enable them to explore an aspect of study in more depth and build on their studies in media across the levels. The student will conduct detailed research, with appropriate levels of supervision, and produce a piece of critical writing, appropriately presented and supported by conventional scholarly apparatus.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module involves a high level of independent study supported by a named supervising tutor.

Workshops Hours: 4
Intended Group size: Cohort

Seminars
Hours: 12
Intended Group size: Up to 12

Individual Tutorials
Hours: 5
Intended Group size: Individual

Guided independent study
Hours: 379

Further details relating to assessment
Not available as a half-module.

Students must confirm approval of their research topic with the module co-ordinator, and also gain ethical approval from the departmental research ethics panel for their research. Approval is required before the student can undertake any primary research that involves human participants.