FTMDPP-Dissertation or Practical Project

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 140 [70 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Lucia Nagib
Email: l.nagib@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The Dissertation or Practical Project module constitutes a major element in the assessment profile of the degree and enables students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in Film/Television or Theatre through an extended project focussing on a particular critical or theoretical issue or subject. The module can be taken in two different directions: (1) a written dissertation of 25,000-30,000 words, (2) a practical project (either a performance of c. 35-45 minutes in length with contextualising critical reflective material of 10,000 words for those on the Theatre Pathway or a film of 20-30 mins for those on the Film/Television Pathway) with contextualising critical reflective material of 10,000 words.

Aims:

The module requires students to conduct independent research with the advice and support of teaching staff, and (1) to produce an extended piece of scholarly writing, or (2) to devise and produce a practical project with supporting analytical documentation. It aims to instruct students how to identify a suitable topic, how to ask appropriate research questions, how to relate critical or theoretical ideas to a specific practical or dissertation project, how to conduct in-depth research and how to organise material and written work in an effective way. It aims to provide guidance and support for those students pursuing research degrees after completing the MA, as well as training in research and technical skills for a variety of potential employment opportunities following the MA.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Option (1) dissertation:

On completion of the module it is expected that the student should be able to:

• identify, refine and research in detail an academic topic in film/television suitable for scholarly enquiry and appropriate to the length of an MA dissertation by research


• plan and organise the processes of research and writing of a substantial piece of academic enquiry, using libraries, the internet, interviews and other specialist sources


• sustain over the course of a dissertation a scholarly argument incorporating a critical response to evidence and information derived from a variety of sources, primary and secondary


• exercise independent intellectual judgment


• demonstrate a wide and critical acquaintance with existing literature relating to the


• dissertation topic


• demonstrate a critical understanding of the various research methods and scholarly


• approaches used in the field of the dissertation topic


• demonstrate skills in the analysis of film/television or theatre texts


• critically consider the possibilities of undertaking further research work in film/television or theatre.

Option (2) practical film/television making or theatre making project:

On completion of the module it is expected that the student should be able to:

• identify and research a critical topic in film or theatre suitable for both scholarly enquiry and


• exploration through practice and appropriate to MA level


• demonstrate the critical, technical and organisational expertise required to produce films or theatre performances;


• demonstrate systematic and coherent decision making in the production of a film/television or theatre performance


• demonstrate skills of leadership and team working appropriate to film/television and theatre practice 


• relate practical decisions in film/television or theatre to theoretical, critical and cultural ideas developed in earlier or concurrent modules;


• be able to deploy relevant technologies and practices in a sophisticated and confident manner.


• set out the critical and practical intentions for a film or television production in the light of identified theoretical concepts and contexts, and taking account of defined production constraints;


• document processes of production;


• demonstrate a critical acquaintance with existing literature relating to the project topic


• demonstrate skills in the analysis of film/television or theatre texts


• demonstrate the ability to reflect critically on practice and to relate practice to critical


• research concerns.

Additional outcomes:

The module plays a significant role in the continuing development of other skills and competencies which are central to the programme. It is expected that the level of skills and competencies achieved in the following will be appropriate to the level of study: oral communication and argument in group and one-on-one situations; deployment of research using printed and electronic resources; critical analysis and coherent argument; undertaking self-directed, independent work; presentation of written work using IT. In researching and writing dissertations, and in researching and devising practical projects and associated written documentation, students acquire skills and techniques in planning and managing their own work schedule. They will need to demonstrate these skills and techniques in tutorials with supervisors, as well as presentational skills, in project presentations to fellow students and tutors. Students will also need to demonstrate self-motivation and the ability to work independently over an extended period of time. Work on the dissertation or film/television or theatre project will also consolidate research and IT skills, requiring students to make extensive use of library, archives (where appropriate) and other relevant research sources. Work on the film/television or theatre project will develop skills of successful management of the resources involved in production, including the leadership of a production team, within the constraints and policies of the Department and the development of technical skills (e.g. digital video editing, Q-lab etc.).

Outline content:

Option (1) dissertation:

Initial decisions about dissertation topics will be made during the Autumn term in consultation with tutors, and much of the Spring term’s work will be focussed on refining and developing the dissertation topic and beginning writing. Under supervision, the writing of the dissertation is mainly self-directed. The module provides students with the opportunity to identify, research, organise and write a significant piece of scholarly writing on film. The dissertation is undertaken with the support and advice of an individual supervisor. The dissertation itself will be an independent, scholarly piece of work of approximately 25,000-30,000 words in length.

Option (2) practical film/television or theatre project:

The module provides students with the opportunity to devise, plan and execute a practical project, and to research and write the documentation on this project. Both the documentation and the practical work are undertaken with the support and advice of an individual supervisor. Preparatory work is undertaken during Autumn and Spring terms; production work is undertaken through the Summer Term and beyond; further research, writing and evaluation of the practical work takes place in Summer Term and beyond. The balance between practical work and written documentation is normally 60 practical / 40% written, but this may be negotiated with the supervisor and department provided that the written component is not less than 40%. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The dissertation or practical project is to a very large extent self-directed study, but throughout their project students attend individual supervision tutorials designed to develop the topic, project shape and approach, and writing for the written component. In the Summer Term, along with continuing tutorials, students present the development and progress of their dissertation or project to fellow-students and tutors in a group seminar setting.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Tutorials	4	4	4
Project Supervision	3	4	3
Practicals classes and workshops	3	3	2
Supervised time in studio/workshop	50	50	100
Fieldwork	50	50	100
External visits	10	40	40
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	50	50	50
Wider reading (directed)	50	50	50
Advance preparation for classes	10	10
Preparation for tutorials			30
Preparation for presentations	30	30
Preparation of practical report			20
Completion of formative assessment tasks	20	20
Group study tasks		10	10
Dissertation writing		60	300
Essay preparation		10	20
Total hours by term	280	391	729
Total hours for module	1400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Option (1)

A dissertation of approximately 25,000-30,000 words (excluding notes and bibliography), to be submitted in 3rd week of September.

Option (2)

A practical project in film/television of c. 20-30 minutes or a practical project in theatre of c. 35-45 minutes to be completed in the Summer Term, plus a written documentation of approximately 10,000 words (excluding notes and bibliography), to be submitted in the 3rd week of September.

Formative assessment methods:

Bibliographic essay 

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:

An overall mark of 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:

A failed dissertation or practical project must be resubmitted within a year.

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