1. identify and develop a research project in an area of your choice within the field of animation (in the widest sense possible).
7 - Application

2. select and employ a range of appropriate research methods, including the interview of experts, together with an understanding of contemporary practice in your specialism within the animation field.
3 - Enquiry

3. Gather research material and to analyse it effectively and accurately.
4 - Analysis

4. Present your findings in an effective and audience appropriate manner.
6 - Communication

A Research Portfolio weighted at 100% [Learning Outcomes 1-4]

The portfolio will typically include:
A short initial proposal postcard (not exceeding 500 words, but including at least one image)
A dissemination of your research in a format that was negotiated with the module tutor at the beginning of the term. This could, for example take the form of a short article for a specific publication or a 10-15 min long short film aimed at beginning students. If no negotiation was made by the published deadline, it will take the form of a 3000 word report for an academic audience.
No matter what form your dissemination takes, you will need to include a bibliography and an appendix that includes an approved ethics form and transcripts from interviews with experts or at least evidence of your approach of experts to interview.
A research Poster and executive-style handout to go along with the research poster.
A poster presentation (about 10 minutes)
An abstract of your research project written to the specifications of BCUR (British Conference of Undergraduate Research)

Building upon and finessing the work set-up in The Timeline and The Screenings, this module finesses the forms of research, communication and dissemination. You are now at the point where you not just review or debate the theories and practices of other people, but research and declare your own standpoint and perspective (based on appropriate evidence, of course).

You will do this by demonstrating that you have developed an understanding of the wider field of animation as well as, if appropriate, your own chosen specialism within it by undertaking both primary and secondary research as part of a research project of your own devising, which will include identifying, approaching and hopefully interviewing some experts in the field. You will be expected to assimilate and interpret the evidence found before presenting your findings in a format that you can negotiate by discussion with your module tutor, proposing lengths and target audience. (It should be the equivalent of a 3000 word academic report, which is the standard option if you fail to suggest a suitable alternative by the published deadline.)

You will also share your research on a larger scale by providing an abstract that would be suitable to submit to the British Conference of Undergraduate Research and via a poster, handout and poster presentation at the Sharing Research event at the end of the module – open to University wide staff, students and invited members of the Animation Industry.¿

Short lectures and Creative Academic Practice workshops to explore conventions of collecting and communicating research in a number of formats.

One-to-one tutorials to propose and negotiate which form your final outcome will take and to get feedback on research as it is progressing.

Optional attendance at The Screenings.

The Sharing Research event at the end of the module gives you the opportunity to share your research with your peers, students from other levels, staff and invited members of the Animation Industry.

ON-LINE READING LISTS WILL BE UPDATED ANNUALLY.
THIS IS AN INDICATION OF REFERENCE TEXTS REQUIRED FOR 2019-20 ONLY.

For Study Skills:
Burnham, D. (2013) Studying Independently and Producing Better Work. Staffordshire University Publication.
Butler-Kisber, L. (2010) Qualitative Inquiry: Thematic, Narrative and Arts-Informed Perspectives. London: Sage
Gray, C. and Malins, J. (2004) Visualizing Research: A guide to the research process in art and design. Farnham: Ashgate
Mann, S. (2011) Study Skills for Art, Design and Media Students. Harlow. Pearson.

For Animation subjects good starting point are:
Animation Journal, available in the university library
Animation Studies, available from http://journal.animationstudies.org/
Buchan, S. (Ed.) (2006) Animated 'Worlds'. London. John Libbey.
Canemaker, J. (Ed.) (1988) Storytelling in Animation. Los Angeles. AFI.
Pilling, J. (Ed.) (1997) A Reader in Animation Studies. London. John Libbey.
Sandler, K. (Ed.) (1998) Reading the Rabbit - Explorations in Warner Bros. Animation. New Brunswick, New Jersey and London. Rutgers University Press.
Wells, P. (1998) Understanding Animation. London. Routledge.
Wells, P. (2002) Animation: Genre and Authorship. London and New York. Wallflower.

A range of books, subject-specific periodicals and journals, newspaper and other related articles, as well as texts relating to your course of study should be employed as negotiated with the module leader - together with any subject-specific visual, audio or audio-visual evidence to support your work.

Recommended
You will be expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities available within the University, keeping abreast of current developments through appropriate periodicals and being aware of the work of major practitioners in your subject.