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

The portfolio will typically include:
A short initial proposal ‘postcard’ (not exceeding 500 words)
A 3000 word illustrated report plus bibliography and (where appropriate) glossary and appendices, including primary research
A Research Poster and Poster Presentation of 10 minutes
An executive summary-style hand-out to go along with the research poster

This module directly builds on your expertise of the wider contextual field of animation that you have been building in the Animation Fundamentals module in Level 4 and the Animation Debates module in Level 5. You are now at the point where you not just debate the theories and practices of other people, but research and declare your own standpoint and perspective (based on appropriate evidence).

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, and you will be expected to assimilate and interpret the evidence found before presenting your findings in an academically appropriate manner – both as an academic report and in form of a poster presentation.

Completion of this assignment is intended to assist in the development of your research, analysis and communication skills, which will be valuable to your future employability. These include identifying appropriate subject(s) for research, selecting appropriate research and analysis methods, managing your time and the resources available, analysing your findings and communicating them in two different ways.

One part of this report will be extended primary research that will magnify one aspect of the assignment.

An introductory presentation and initial brief which takes place as the last session of the Animation Debates module.

Students submit an initial proposal in form of a Big Idea postcard, with the word count not exceeding 500 words as part of their summer task during the summer term.

Students will receive feedback from tutors during the summer term including the approximate date for their presentation.

It will be expected that students use the summer term to explore appropriate secondary sources and draft a literature review by September, which they will receive individual feedback on during the first three weeks of the term.

Early in the term will be sessions on research methods and ethics procedures, with an early deadline for submitting an appropriate ethics proposal.

Students will then spend the majority of their time conducting their individual research, primary research methods may include interviews, focus groups, creation and analysis of questionnaires, arts-based inquiries and experimentation.

At the date published during the summer term (see above), students present the stage their project is at as part of a poster presentation to Level 4 and 5 students, including a hand-out in the style of an executive summary (guidance will be given).

Students will have the opportunity to discuss their research progress with a tutor, but they will have to be proactive and make these appointments themselves.

Blackboard
Library

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 subject:
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.

1. IDENTIFY AND DEVELOP A RESEARCH PROJECT IN AN AREA OF YOUR CHOICE WITHIN THE FIELD OF ANIMATION (IN THE WIDEST POSSIBLE SENSE).
[Application]

2. SELECT AND EMPLOY A RANGE OF APPROPRIATE RESEARCH METHODS TOGETHER WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF CONTEMPORARY PRACTICE IN YOUR SPECIALISM WITHIN THE ANIMATION FIELD.
[Enquiry]

3. GATHER RESEARCH MATERIAL AND TO ANALYSE IT EFFECTIVELY AND ACCURATELY.
[Analysis]

4. PRESENT YOUR FINDINGS IN AN EFFECTIVE AND ACADEMICALLY APPROPRIATE MANNER AND ON TIME.
[Communication]