* This module allows a student to undertake a structured, independent exploration of an area of particular interest, leading to an extended piece of research (a, b, c, d, e, f, g)

* The module will develop students’ research skills and methods, utilising the research facilities offered by the Department and the University and supported by a research supervisor (a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h).

On completion of this module students should be able to

• Research a specific area, identify boundaries for research and methods for conducting enquiry (A1, A2, D3, D4)

   

• Plan a long and complex research process; find, evaluate and organise appropriate research materials; establish and refer to a range of relevant resources; conceptualise and articulate a clear argument and structure a long piece of writing (A3, B1, B2, B3).

   

• Sustain self-motivated enquiry, recognise the changing needs of the researcher and the project to produce a dissertation for a specific deadline and in an agreed form (C1, C2, C3, D1, D2, D3, D4).

   

The choice of Dissertation topic may arise from a specific theatre interest developed through theoretical and/or practical experience at Levels HE1-2 or from professional training at Level P.  The topic should have appropriate content and parameters and should be designed to demonstrate the student’s analytical, critical and evaluative skills.

The assessment modes are:

A) Written element      100%    (7000-9000 words)

B) Written element       75%     (4500-6750 words)

     Practical element    25%     (see performance timings sheet)

B) Written element       50%     (3000-4500 words)

     Practical element    50%     (see performance timings sheet)

This will vary according to the nature of the selected research topic, but all students will be tutored individually during the process of their research and the production of a Dissertation.

Required Reading :

Pickering, Michael. 2008. Research methods for cultural studies. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

Recommended Reading : (Barrett and Bolt, 2007; Carter, 2004; Pickering, 2008; Rose, 2007; Stake, 1995; Stebbins, 2006; Sullivan, 2005; The Open University, 2007)

Research will necessarily vary according to the student’s specific research interest although these sources will be valuable in supporting the research process.

Barrett, E and Bolt, B, eds. 2007. Practice as Research:Approaches to Creative Arts Enquiry. London: I B Taurus and Co.

Carter, P, Material thinking : the theory and practice of creative research. Carlton, Vic.: Melbourne University Publishing, 2004.

Pickering, M, Research Methods for Cultural Studies. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2008.

Rose, G, Visual methodologies : an introduction to the interpretation of visual materials. London ; Thousand Oaks, Calif.: SAGE Publications, 2007.

Stake, R E, The art of case study research. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, 1995.

Stebbins, L F, Student guide to research in the digital age : how to locate and evaluate information sources. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited, 2006.

Sullivan, G, Art practice as research : inquiry in the visual arts. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications, 2005.

The Open University, The Arts Good Study Guide. Milton Keynes: The Open University, 2007.