TYMDIS-Dissertation

Module Provider: Typography
Number of credits: 100 [50 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof Gerry Leonidas
Email: g.leonidas@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module represents a major research-based output that demonstrates that students are able to formulate a research question effectively, develop and apply the appropriate methodology, and produce a scholarly piece of work that engages critically with a subject relating to typography and graphic communication.  

Aims:
This module aims to enable students to show their intellectual mastery of a particular aspect of typographic theory, information design, or printing and book design history by engaging in advanced study of a topic chosen by themselves, and so to produce an extended piece of scholarly writing that is coherently argued, well-written and well-presented. In order to do this they will need to display an active awareness of, and an ability to effectively employ, relevant and appropriate methods of investigation and enquiry.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students should be able to:

• exercise independent intellectual judgement


• locate, analyse and explain information about their topic


• critically review and evaluate the literature associated with their topic


• employ methods of enquiry appropriate for and relevant to their topic


• organise complex material


• write clearly, judiciously make and use illustrations, andpresent their dissertation to a satisfactory standard

Additional outcomes:
By the end of the module students should have further developed their skills in personal organisation and time management through self-directed study, and should be able to make constructive use of feedback.

Outline content:
The Research Methods module (TYMRM) provides input on basic research skills and research methodology. Students choose their topic in consultation with staff. Once the topic has been agreed by the Programme Director, work is self-directed.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Self-directed study is pursued in close consultation with a supervisor or supervisors. Students will be expected to show the development of their writing in drafts for discussion. Contact hours are determined by agreement between student and supervisor(s).

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Project Supervision	5	10	20
Guided independent study:		290	675
Total hours by term	5	300	695
Total hours for module	1000

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A substantial written study of 20,000 words on some aspect of typography and graphic communication, or a substantial written study of between 9,000 and 15,000 words integrating original works of practice.  

Formative assessment methods:

Students receive feedback on their proposal and drafts of work by their supervisor.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:

50%

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: 22 September 2022