FTMFPD-Film Practice or Dissertation

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 60 [30 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

Module Co-convenor: Dr Dominic Lees
Email: d.lees@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The film practice or dissertation module constitutes a major element in the assessment profile of the degree and enables students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in Film Studies 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 practical filmmaking project of 10-15 mins with written documentation of 5,000 words, (2) a traditional written dissertation of 15,000 words.

Aims:

The module requires students to conduct independent research with the advice and support of teaching staff, and (1) to devise and produce a short film with supporting analytical documentation, or (2) to produce an extended piece of scholarly writing. 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.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Option (1) practical filmmaking project:

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

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


• exploration through practice and appropriate to MA level


• plan and organise practical production work in film designed to extend and reflect


• upon critical research issues


• sustain over the course of both a practical project and supporting documentation an argument incorporating a critical response to evidence and information derived from both


• primary and secondary sources


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


• demonstrate skills in the analysis of film texts


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


• research concerns.

Option (2) 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 suitable for scholarly enquiry and appropriate to the length of an MA dissertation


• plan and organise the processes of research and writing of a substantial piece of academic enquiry, using libraries, the internet 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 texts


• critically consider the possibilities of undertaking further research work in film.

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 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 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, etc.).

Outline content:

Option (1) practical filmmaking project:

The module provides students with the opportunity to devise, plan and execute a short 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 precise balance between practical work and written documentation is normally 50/50, (normally 10-15 mins for a video project, and written documentation of 5,000 words), but can be subject to negotiation on a case by case basis. 

Option (2) 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 15,000 words in length.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The practical project or dissertation 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 practical project or dissertation to fellow-students and tutors in a group seminar setting.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		1	4
Project Supervision	1	4	2
Supervised time in studio/workshop			100
External visits		12
Guided independent study:		238	238
Total hours by term	1	255	344
Total hours for module	600

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	40
Project output other than dissertation	60

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The above table only reflects Option 1; Option 2 is 100% by dissertation. 



Option (1)

A practical project in film of normally 10-15 mins, to be completed in the Summer Term, plus a written documentation of approximately 5,000 words (excluding notes and bibliography), to be submitted towards the end of September.

Option (2)

A dissertation of approximately 15,000 words (excluding notes and bibliography), to be submitted towards the end of September. 

Formative assessment methods:

Following an initial research period, students will be expected to produce a project proposal and literature/filmography review which they will receive feedback on from 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:

An overall mark of 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:

A failed dissertation project must be resubmitted within one 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