Modules

Module title: Dissertation
SCQF level: 10:
SCQF credit value: 40.00
ECTS credit value: 20
Module code: JAC10100
Module leader: Alistair Scott
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Media and Screen
Prerequisites

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2019/0, Trimester 1, Face-to-Face, Edinburgh Napier University
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Face-to-Face
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Alistair Scott
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:

Students will be orientated towards high-level independent study through a blend of approaches. There is a programme of lectures in Tri 1 which will include the examination of critical analysis, problem-solving and argument relevant to this level of study (LOs 1,2,3,4,5). You will be allocated to an individual supervisor for regular one-to-one supervision meetings to set goals, monitor progress and provide general and specific advice on research strategy, framing research questions and scholarly writing (LOs 2,3,4,5,6). There will be three points at which students should submit work-in-progress for formative feedback from their supervisor – for the Dissertation Proposal midway in Tri 1; for the Literature Review towards the end of Tri 1; and for the Research Methodology section at the start of Tri 2. There will also be timetabled drop-in workshops and occasional seminars to offer students the opportunity to discuss with each other and to share information and strategies under the guidance of the Module Leader (LOs 1,2,3,4,5). The VLE is used to provide detailed guidance notes and examples of all parts of the dissertation process. The module site will also be used as a forum for student discussion (Los 1,2,3,4,5,6).
Embedding of employability skills/PDP/Scholarship
You will develop enhanced scholarly and theoretical understanding based upon your learning in previous years. PDP will be enhanced through investigation of a topic related to your target degree. The module develops self-directed and independent study to a high degree. The nature of a sustained and in-depth study can provide a valuable skill for future employment or advanced study.
Research teaching linkages
Research and teaching linkages are promoted through the Module Leader’s and other supervisor’s continuing research which exemplify the full range of methods taught in the module. Teaching staff will draw on their experiences of scholarly writing and publication.
Supporting equality and diversity
The range of approaches to the delivery of this module including lectures and one-to-one supervision meetings is designed to support a range of individual student needs. This module aims to provide information and support related to gender, diversity, sexual and racial equality with intercultural initiatives and activities in the spirit of widening access.
Internationalisation
Journalism and broadcasting are part of a global media business. You are encouraged to be aware of the international links and issues which are relevant to research themes. Internationalisation in the module is also achieved through encouraging students to engage in comparative studies and, where appropriate, to conduct research based on practices in their home countries.
Formative Assessment:
It is important that a module such as this – with only a single component of summative assessment – has identifiable points for formative feedback from you supervisor. These take place throughout the two trimesters. This will include approval of the dissertation proposal and research question midway in Tri 1 which forms the basis of negotiation with each student for the entire module. You will also be required to submit a draft Literature Review towards the end of Tri 1. You will submit your draft Research Methodology at the start of Tri 2. The regular supervision meetings offer more opportunities for you to develop student autonomy and for your supervisor to provide regular detailed one-to-one feedback.

Summative Assessment:
You will submit a 10,000 – 12,000 words dissertation at the end of Tri 2. The criteria on which this will be assessed will be outlined in the teaching during Tri 1. The Dissertation will be made up of a number of elements. These will include: the Introduction (which will frame a research question and set out the aims and objectives of the investigation); a Literature Review (which will survey and summarise existing scholarly research in this topic); a section covering Research Methodology; the presentation of research data and the Main Discussion of the research topic; a Conclusion (which will draw together the strands of the research and present a conclusion relating to the research question); a full Bibliography; any relevant Appendices. The Bibiliography and Appendices are not included in the overall word count.

Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 12
Face To Face Tutorial 18
Online Guided independent study 30
Independent Learning Guided independent study 340
Total Study Hours400
Expected Total Study Hours for Module400


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Dissertation 100 1-6 12 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 10000
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Description of module content:


On this module you will develop your knowledge and understanding of journalism, broadcasting or television studies with reference to historical and theoretical frameworks in the relevant field. You will develop your skills in scholarly writing and research methods. You will survey relevant existing academic scholarship and compose a literature review. You will frame a suitable research questions, investigate, analyse and debate a specific case-study. The choice of topic must be approved by the Module Leader and your supervisor. The module will develop your studentship skills as an independent learner through the completion of a dissertation on a topic of your choosing that is relevant to your programme of study.
During Trimester 1 you will undertake a taught programme which will cover framing and generating research questions, advanced literature reviewing, research methodologies (including reflexivity), qualitative research methods, critical analysis, scholarly writing and presentation. Students undertake independent study, under supervision, to produce a Dissertation of 10,000-12,000 words over two trimesters (Tri 1 & 2). The Dissertation must be the result of independent critical research and investigation by you and demonstrate evidence of appropriate research methods and detailed knowledge of established literature and other resources in your chosen area of study.
Learning Outcomes for module:


Upon completion of this module you will be able to
LO1: Assemble and appraise research evidence which demonstrates extensive knowledge of specialist investigation relevant to your programme of study.
LO2: Develop a research question appropriate to the issues or problems identified.
LO3: Gather, summarise and critically analyse relevant academic literature and research
LO4: Formulate an appropriate research methodology.
LO5: Analyse, synthesise and interpret evidence and data with which to explore your research question.

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
JAC10100 Dissertation
JAC10100 Dissertation
 

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