FT3CRP-Creative Research Project

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: FT2EE Extended Essay or FT2EL Exploring Location or FT2CCP Community and Collaborative Practice or FT2CSP Creative Screen Practice
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: FT3DISS Dissertation: Film and Theatre and FT3JDFA Dissertation (Art and Film and Theatre) and EN3JDX Joint Dissertation English and Film, Theatre and Television (20 credits in each Department)
Current from: 2023/4

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

A major piece of independent research with a creative component (realised individually or in pairs), which builds on practical work in any of the disciplines of film, theatre and television in earlier Parts of the degree. The written work will be carried out individually. Projects can include, for example: 

• a script (any medium) 


• desktop documentary 


• video essay 


• filmed demonstration/experiments (max. 2 minutes) 


• storyboard 


• a theatre design project with one realised element  


• performed fragments/experiments (max 15 minutes) 


• performance lecture 

 Each creative research project will need to be approved by the department before commencement and will be allocated a supervisor. Supervisory meetings may be individual or, where appropriate, in groups, where individual work in progress may be shared.  

Aims:

The module aims to test the student's ability to apply accumulated skills and knowledge to a major research-based project which includes both a creative element and accompanying critical research and reflection, and which is initiated and developed independently but under supervision. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

• demonstrate the ability to plan on paper a coherent creative project in theatre, film, television or mixed media which draws convincingly on critical and theoretical debates and practices encountered elsewhere on the course; 


• articulate a clear set of aims, expressed both in terms of creative and critical objectives; 


• demonstrate levels of creative skill and achievement appropriate to their project; 


• realise a creative project that is internally coherent, systematic and imaginative in its decision making and that is informed by an appropriate critical and conceptual agenda; 


• evaluate their project self-critically, analysing both local and systemic levels of decision making, in the light both of independent reading and research and selected examples of theatre, performance, film or television practice. 

Additional outcomes:

The creative project and the critical research and reflection are the assessed outcomes. Additional outcomes arising from the processes of realisation and reflection include:  

• Critical research and reflection: appropriate deployment of research using printed and electronic resources, critical analysis and coherent argument; presentation of written work using IT; identifying and addressing problems in film/tv/theatre/ performance practice; self-evaluation and self-critical analysis. 


• Creative realisation: practical planning and time management; successful management of the resources involved in the creative project within the constraints and policies of the Department; clear communication with supervisory and where appropriate technical staff; the development of IT and technical skills (e.g. digital video editing, model boxes, lighting design using computerised control boards; computer aided design for theatre). 

Outline content:

You will work on an individual research project which has a creative element (which could be realised in pairs or individually):  

• a script (any medium) 


• desktop documentary 


• video essay 


• filmed demonstration/experiments (max. 2 minutes) 


• storyboard 


• a theatre design project with one realised element  


• performed fragments/experiments (max 15 minutes) 


• performance lecture  

The scope of the creative project in relation to the preparatory and reflective research will be agreed with the supervisor. The module will include regular meetings with a supervisor, where relevant in group meetings and workshops,  

Global context:

Film, theatre and television in the department are studied in a global context , and topics include world cinema, representing conflict or migration. Individual research projects are likely to pick up on such topics.  

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module involves supervised independent research and creative practice.  

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Project Supervision	4	4
Supervised time in studio/workshop	6	12
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	15	10
Wider reading (directed)	15	10
Preparation for presentations	12	12
Carry-out research project	150	150
Total hours by term	202	198	0
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	60
Project output other than dissertation	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Creative project submission / presentation plus significant research and critical reflection.

Formative assessment methods:

Ongoing oral feedback provided by the supervisor.

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:

Resubmission of coursework. The creative element of assessment may be replaced by a different mode of assessment.

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