TY3DS-Dissertation

Module Provider: Typography
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Summer / Autumn / Spring module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Mrs Rachel Warner
Email: r.e.warner@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
The development of a research intensive dissertation in the field of typography and graphic communication.

Aims:
The module aims to enable students to demonstrate an understanding of one particular aspect of typography and graphic communication, and to engage in scholarly study of the subject.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• locate and assemble information on their subject


• review the literature of their subject


• use appropriate methodologies, structures, and questions for their subject


• organise material and articulate effectively in written form

Additional outcomes:
The module encourages the development of organisational skills and time management, through self-directed study.

Outline content:

Preparation for the dissertation will consist of:

• identifying the characteristics of good dissertations


• bibliographical style


• exploring sources


• developing a proposal

The subject of study is chosen through consultation with staff. Students may work with primary source materials, conduct interviews, and engage in empirical studies.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Initial preparatory work will involve briefings, exercises in small groups and self-directed study. This will be concentrated towards the end of the Summer term (Part 2).
In the Autumn and Spring terms of Part 3, drafts will provide the basis for a series of tutorial meetings with supervisors where contact hours will be determined by agreement between student and supervisor.

Note: The hours shown below in the Summer column of the Contact Hours table refer to the Summer Term i n PART 2.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures			6
Seminars	1	1
Tutorials			1
Project Supervision	10	10
Practicals classes and workshops			4
Guided independent study:	166	166	35
Total hours by term	177	177	46
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	10
Dissertation	90

Summative assessment- Examinations:
N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Students must submit a dissertation proposal with supporting work by the end of the Summer term of Part 2 (10% of the module mark). A written study of between 10,000 and 12,000 words on some aspect of typography and graphic communication must be submitted early in the Summer term of Part 3, on a date to be confirmed (90% of the module mark).

Formative assessment methods:

Formative assessment iof the dissertation proposal is provided through tutorial discussions, and of the dissertation by the supervisor through discussion and feedback on drafts.

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:
Requirements for a pass is 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:
Dissertation that bears a confirmed mark of less than 40 must be resubmitted by an August/September date to be notified.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: None

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: Depending on their choice of topic, some students may need to travel in order to undertake appropriate research for their dissertation.

Last updated: 3 August 2023