FT2EE-Extended Essay

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: FT2ACR Academic Research Skills (20 Credits)
Modules excluded: FT2CSP Creative Screen Practice and FT2CCP Community and Collaborative Practice
Current from: 2023/4

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module represents a major piece of independently researched written work. It provides you the opportunity to engage with an independently selected topic of interest, as well as enhances your independent critical thinking and self-directed study skills, while being guided by a supervisor. This module may be offered in place of the practical strand in Part 2. 

Aims:

The module aims to test the student's ability to apply the research skills and knowledge accumulated during FT2AR 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, it is expected that students will be able to: draw effectively on the skills and knowledge accumulated in preparation for their extended essay; develop under supervision an appropriate structure and use of writing methodology for their extended essay; develop a coherent 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; draw on relevant critical/theoretical frameworks encountered elsewhere on the course; employ skills of research, organisation, presentation and analysis; effectively communicate an argument in clear and accurate prose.

Additional outcomes:

The module has an important role for students taking a critically-focused second year, in the development of skills and competencies associated with critical argument and academic writing: appropriate deployment of research using printed and electronic resources; critical analysis and coherent argument; undertaking increasingly 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 and write an extended essay of 6,000 words on a chosen topic in film, theatre, television, or a combination of these. At the beginning of the Spring term, students will meet with their supervisors to begin detailed plans for the structure and approach of their extended essay. During the Spring term drafts of writing will be discussed in tutorials, and the completed extended essay will be submitted part way through the Summer term.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

.From beginning of the Spring term to near the point of submission, students will meet regularly with their supervisor. 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 extended essay but may not comment on the work in its entirety in draft form.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Tutorials		4	2
External visits		10
Guided independent study:		86	98
Total hours by term		100	100
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One essay, 6000 words, submitted in Week 8 of the Summer term.

Formative assessment methods:

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: 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:

A mark of 40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Submission of additional coursework.

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: 30 March 2023