MFC6124 - Film Research A

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
define a topic, relating to film, suitable for a study of 8,000 words
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 will examine the nature of academic research and build on skills introduced in Levels 4 and 5. Students will practice specific research skills with a view to applying them to an extended piece of independent work. Each student will negotiate an appropriate topic with a 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 film 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.
Students will communicate the findings of their literature review and demonstrate progress made since the initial submission of the research proposal. Typically, the Literature review, with Essay Plan, will include a summary of the prior academic writing on the topic; a critical analysis and evaluation of the most salient prior academic literature on the topic; and articulation of how relevant theories and methods from the academic literature selected may be used to inform the research project. Hence, a revised summary of the research project will be provided, that demonstrates how the student will synthesise and develop existing accounts in support of their thesis.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The scheme below assumes recruitment of 20
This module involves a high level of independant study supported by a named supervising tutor.

Workshops
Contact Hours: 5
Intended Group size: up to 20 students

Tutorials
Contact Hours: 5
Number of Groups: Individual

Workshops
Contact hours: 10
Intended group size: up to 20 students

Guided independant Study
Hours: 380

Additional Assessment Information
An acceptable submission of the first component is necessary in order to present for final assessment of the 8000 word essay.
This module is not available as a Half-module

Other relevant matters
This module is only available to students registered on the Film studies programme.

Assessment: