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 practiceÌý


• 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 s