TYMRM-Research methods in typography and graphic communication

Module Provider: Typography
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: g.leonidas@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
To provide students with the basic practical research skills needed to do research for, and write, an MA dissertation; to enable them to read published research critically; to give them an awareness of the range of research methods used in typography and graphic communication (including practice as a method), and an understanding of the underlying principles; to enable them to select and apply appropriate research methods in their own work.

Aims:
To provide students with the basic practical research skills needed to do research for, and write, an MA dissertation; to enable them to read published research critically; to give them an awareness of the range of research methods used in typography and graphic communication and an understanding of the underlying principles; to enable them to select and apply appropriate research methods in their own work.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module students should be able to:

• identify research methods appropriate to particular kinds of problem in typography and graphic communication
• search effectively for information in the area of typography and graphic communication
• read critically and review the literature on a chosen topic
• identify appropriate research questions for their dissertation, and formulate a well-argued dissertation proposal

Additional outcomes:
Students will also be encouraged to develop their skills in personal organisation and time management, and to make constructive use of feedback.

Outline content:
Students will be introduced to a range of research methods whose practical application to typography and graphic communication issues will be demonstrated through case studies. Such methods include descriptive studies, ethnographic research, diagnostic studies, surveys, and performance tests. Emphasis will also be placed on the student developing skills and techniques for using printed and electronic resources in libraries and archives, critical reading and effective note-taking, reviewing the literature, and bibliographical referencing. Issues relating to the preparation of a written dissertation proposal and the writing and presentation of the dissertation itself will also be addressed.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Practical research skills will be taught in a mixture of small-group lectures, seminars and workshops. Students will need to apply what they learn in this module to all of their assessed written work, and they will be given feedback in this way as well as through the assessed work for this module.
Research methodology will be taught mainly through lectures and seminars in which principles will be explained and discussed. Members of staff with experience of particular methods will present illustrative case studies.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Reassessment arrangements:

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 10 April 2019