| Unit name | Written Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Unit code | FATV30028 |
| Credit points | 40 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Kent |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of Film and Television |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important:
Written Dissertation is an exercise in extended independent research. Students are required to identify their own research topic, formulate the research questions to be addressed, identify the main primary sources to be used, and execute a scholarly and analytical text to high scholarly standards consistent with this level of study. The dissertation should draw imaginatively upon a range of units taken in the course, giving evidence of an advanced understanding of film and television critical and analytical study.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study:
This is a capstone unit, which allows students to draw from a wide range of analytical, critical and writing skills acquired in Years 1 and 2 and apply them in the development of a substantial piece of written scholarly research.
Overview of Content:
This unit is structured around supervised independent study. Students will attend sessions on relevant topics such as research methods, essay planning and writing techniques. Such sessions will be delivered by staff and guest speakers. Students will develop proposals and then work with a supervisor, who will support them through the research and writing processes.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit:
Students will write a research essay greater in scope and complexity than their previous work in the course. They will have the opportunity to test and apply their research and critical skills at advanced levels and finish their third year with a substantial and refined piece of written scholarship.
Learning Outcomes:
Weekly sessions during the first 6-10 weeks.
Individual or group supervisions (supported by self-directed tasks where appropriate.)
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative)
1500 word revised written dissertation proposal including a written dissertation plan and timeline
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative)
10,000 word written dissertation (90%) [ILOs 1-4]
Contribution Mark (10%) [ILO 5]
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the form or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are normally confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the academic year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. FATV30028).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
