| Assessment |
| Title |
Exam Length |
Weight |
Mode |
No. Words |
| Dissertation |
|
100%
|
|
14,000-16,000 |
| Assessment Notes |
| Students also complete a report, which is not formally assessed, on their research methodology |
|
| Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and
Graduate Attributes (GA) |
| LO: 1-5
GA: 1-7 |
|
| Learning Outcomes (LO) |
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
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formulate research questions pertaining to the field of theatre studies;
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use higher order, independent research skills;
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apply advanced analytical abilities, demonstrated in combining a broad range of research materials, often from several media, in order to answer their dissertation question;
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write an extended research dissertation, based upon the student's own question and independent research;
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understand the methodological issues and have a broad knowledge of the overall subject area relating to theatre studies.
|
| Graduate Attributes (GA) |
|
Attribute |
Taught |
Assessed |
Practised |
| 1 |
Knowledge of a Discipline
The dissertation consists of an original investigation of an appropriate topic in theatre studies based on the student's own research.
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| 2 |
Communication Skills
The means of demonstrating a high level of communication skills are taught through individual consultation between supervisor and student, where the supervisor advises on format, expression and style appropriate to research papers within the discipline of theatre studies.
Appropriate formal style and clarity of argument, expression and referencing are important criteria in the examination of the dissertation.
In the process of writing the dissertation, the student will be practising the communication skills considered through consultation with the supervisor.
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| 3 |
Global Perspectives
Disciplinary considerations relating to the development of a global perspective and intercultural competence will be brought to bear on the definition of specific dissertation topics, as appropriate to local, regional and international contexts of theatre practice, criticism and theory.
Understanding of the culturally contingent and variable dimensions of theatre will be relevant to research and come under consideration when dissertations are assessed.
Students will need to negotiate issues and arguments pertaining to intercultural relations during the stages of researching and writing up the dissertation.
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| 4 |
Information Literacy
Supervisors or other appropriate University staff will instruct students in the use of databases for bibliographical, archival and other information and in advanced internet searching, to provide data for the dissertation.
Competence in the use of such information tools will be displayed in the quality of research for the dissertation and hence come under consideration when it is examined.
Students will need to practise the techniques in which they are instructed by their supervisor or other University staff member in the composition of their dissertation.
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| 5 |
Life-Long Learning
The research and writing techniques taught within this unit will equip graduates for writing research papers of a professional standard, whether in their chosen line of work, or for personal fulfilment.
Such techniques are integral to the composition of an acceptable Honours dissertation, and so these skills that constitute 'lifelong learning' will be practised by students and assessed by examiners.
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| 6 |
Problem Solving
Beyond solving a given problem, students are taught by their supervisors to identify and articulate problems or issues in their field of study that may not have been noticed.
Problem solving is the essence of any research paper, hence will be relevant in the examination of the argument, structure and presentation of the dissertation.
Students are required to isolate a problem area within their research topic, formulate a question and then, through their research and analytical skills, answer that question and others arising from it.
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| 7 |
Social Responsibility
Supervisors will advise and correct students in their research and writing on the levels of professionalism required in the composition of the dissertation; this may include training in the use of inclusive language, ethical research techniques, and negotiating cultural sensitivities in the pursuit of their research goals.
The professional use of language and research techniques, and sensitivity towards cultures or other groups, are encouraged in the process and product of study in the unit: signs of unprofessional practice in this regard may come before the scrutiny of dissertation examiners.
The procedures of social responsibility will be practised by the student during the research and/or writing stages of the dissertation.
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| 8 |
Team Work
Students will be working closely with a supervisor who will guide their research and assist with criticism of both oral and written presentations of their material; this will train students in collaborative research situations.
In the process of consultation and writing, students will discuss research matters, incorporate constructive criticisms into their written work and engage with the ideas of a supervisor, and hence practise the ability to work collaboratively.
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