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2010/1 Module Catalogue
 Module Code: CMC3026 Module Title: VIDEO DISSERTATION
Module Provider: Dance,Film & Theatre Short Name: CMC3026
Level: HE3 Module Co-ordinator: DAVIS L Ms (Dnc Flm Thtr)
Number of credits: 40 Number of ECTS credits: 20
 
Module Availability

Autumn and Spring Semesters.
Assessment Pattern

Components of Assessment

 

 

Method(s)

 

 

Percentage weighting

 

 

Dissertation

 

 

20-25mins duration

 

 

50%

 

 

Evaluation

 

 

2000 to 3000 words

 

 

30%

 

 

Documentary proposal

 

 

1000 words

 

 

20%

 

 
Module Overview
The dissertation module is intended to provide students with an opportunity to select a research topic relating to an aspect of the course which has engaged their own particular interests, to explore it in detail through guided self-study and to present their findings in the form of a short documentary.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
Students must have satisfactorily completed the level 2 filming and editing module.
Module Aims

The module aims to:

 

 

  • Facilitate the completion of an in-depth study of a course-related area or problem

     

  • Enhance students’ understanding of relevant research methodologies

     

  • Foster the skills and attitudes necessary for independent research over a sustained period

     
Learning Outcomes
  • An in-depth appreciation of a topic related to the course

     

  • An enhanced understanding of the principles of relevant research methodologies

     

  • The ability to select an appropriate research topic and to formulate a meaningful research question

     

  • The ability to conduct a literature search

     

  • The ability to conduct independent research using a range of sources

     

  • The ability to demonstrate critical and analytical skills appropriate to level 3 work

     

  • The ability to structure and sustain a coherent argument expressed through the film medium in the form of a 20 to 25minute documentary.

     
Module Content

The content of workshops will include:

 

 

  • Research design

     

  • Conducting literature searches

     

  • Writing and evaluating your dissertation

     

  • Documentary research techniques

     

  • Edit project management for the longer film

     

Supervision content will depend on the topic selected by each individual student.
Methods of Teaching/Learning
Each individual student will carry out research for the dissertation on an independent basis, but will be assigned a supervisor who will guide and direct him/her via regular individual consultations.
Selected Texts/Journals

Selected Texts and Journals
David Berry Ethics and Media Culture: Practices and Representations, ( Oxford : Focal Press, 2000)

 

 

Ina Bertrand and Peter Hughes Media Research Methods: Audiences, Institutions, Texts ( Basingstoke : Palgrave, 2005)

 

 

Ken Dancyger     The Technique of Film and Video Editing; History, Theory, and Practice 3rd Edition. ( London Focal Press 2006)

David Deacon et al. Researching Communications: A Practical Guide to Methods in Media and Cultural Studies (London: Hodder Arnold, 1999)

 

 

Anden Hansen et al Mass Communication Research Methods ( Basingstoke : Palgrave, 2005)

 

 

Richard Johnson et al The Practice of Cultural Studies ( London : Sage, 2004)

 

 

Peter Levin Excellent Dissertations! (Open UP: 2005)

 

 

 D Madsden, Successful Dissertations and Theses (London: Jossey-Bass, 1983)

 

 

Maire Messenger Davies and Nick Mosdell Practical Research Methods for Media and Cultural Studies (Edinburgh: Edinburgh UP, 2006)

 

 

Bill Nichols Introduction to Documentary ( Indianapolis, Indiana University Press, 2001)

 

 

Paula Saukko Doing Research in Cultural Studies ( London : Sage, 2003)

 

 

Clive Seale Researching Society and Culture ( London : Sage, 2004)

 

 

David Silverman (ed.) Qualitative Research: Theory, Method and Practice ( London : Sage, 2004)

 

 

Derek Swetnam Writing Your Dissertation (How to Books Ltd, 2000)

 

 

Brian Winston Lies Damn Lies and Documentaries ( London BFI 2000)

 

 

Nicholas Walliman Your Undergraduate Dissertation ( London : Sage, 2004)
Last Updated
26 June 2008