FT3DISS-Dissertation: Film & Theatre

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: FT3APF Advanced Practical Project: Film/TV FT3APT Advanced Practical Project: Theatre
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr David Foster
Email: d.foster@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module represents the student's major piece of independent work, the culmination of their critical writing on the course. As such the module aims to test the student's ability to apply accumulated skills and knowledge to an area of individual interest in an extended essay on a topic not directly taught on the course, and which is initiated and developed independently but under supervision. Students will have the opportunity to develop core skills related to their dissertation through taught classes in the Autumn and Spring terms.  

Aims:
This module represents the student's major piece of independent work, the culmination of their critical writing on the course. As such the module aims to test the student's ability to apply accumulated skills and knowledge to an area of individual interest in an extended essay on a topic not directly taught on the course, and which is initiated and developed independently but under supervision.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students it is expected that students will be able to:

• define a feasible project on an area of film/theatre/television which will allow for significant independent work;


• conduct a systematic literature search and develop an appropriate bibliography;


• develop under supervision an appropriate structure for their essay and a methodology which draws on relevant critical/theoretical frameworks encountered else where on the course;


• demonstrate the ability to apply such methods to the selected topic and to use primary and secondary sources critically;


• demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the chosen field and its critical literature;


• develop a coherent and independent analysis of the selected material which demonstrates the ability to analyse textual detail, to relate detail to wider textual systems and to take account of relevant contexts;


• p resent a cogent argument in clear and accurate prose.

Additional outcomes:
The module has a crucial role for students taking an entirely critical final year in the development of skills and competencies associated with critical argument and extended academic writing: appropriate deployment of research using printed and electronic resources critical analysis and coherent argument; undertaking self-directed, independent work; presentation of written work (and possibly graphics and data) using IT; identifying and addressing problems in the analysis of film, TV and/or theatre texts. Tutorial work also encourages the further development of oral communication skills and the ability to present and defend ideas in one-to-one discussion.

Outline content:

Students will plan, research and write a dissertation of 10,000 words on a topic in film, theatre, television, or a combination of these. An orientation session will be organised during the second year. Following this, students will be asked to indicate an area or areas which they would like to form the topic of their dissertation. On the basis of this choice, students will be assigned a supervisor who will give guidance on initial reading, and on the refinement of the topic and its focus. St udents should expect to begin research for their dissertation during the summer term of Part 2, continuing this during the summer vacation, and to work on it during the Autumn and Spring Terms of Part 3. During the Autumn Term students will meet regularly with their supervisors, identify the nature of their intended project and under supervision will develop a bibliography and detailed plans for the structure and approach of their dissertation. It is good policy to start drafting material as soo n as possible but, at the least, an outline of the intended essay, together with indicative bibliography, will have been discussed by student and supervisor by the end of the Autumn Term. During the Spring Term drafts of chapters will be discussed in tutorials and the completed dissertation will be submitted at the beginning of the Summer Term.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

In the Autumn and Spring terms of Part 3 students will meet regularly with their supervisor. Research may likely include visits to relevant archives or libraries in terms or film and theatre, and extended viewing of films or recorded performances. Emphasis in supervision will be on the development of a project which is appropriate in scale, achievable within readily available resources and informed by clear critical objectives. Supervisors may read and comment on draft sections of the dissert ation but may not comment on the work in its entirety in draft form. 

In the Autumn and Spring terms of Part 3, students will meet regularly with their supervisor. Research may likely include visits to relevant archives or libraries in terms or film and theatre, and extended viewing of films or recorded performances. Emphasis in supervision will be on the development of a project which is appropriate in scale, achievable within readily available resources and informed by clear critical objectives. Supervisors may read and comment on draft sections of the dissertation but may not comment on the work in its entirety in draft form.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	3	2
Project Supervision	4	4
External visits	9	10
Guided independent study:	184	184
Total hours by term	200	200	0
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Students will give a short presentation on their research-in-progress during Autumn term.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
An overall mark of 40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of failed work.

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: 

None as such required, but it depends on the individual student's chosen topic.

Last updated: 25 November 2021