A DISSERTATION length 8000 WORDS weighted at 100%.

Learning Outcomes 1-5

This module allows you to undertake an individual research project about a specific drama, performance or theatre arts-related topic and will be completed with the guidance of a personal supervisor. You will make use of a variety of appropriate research approaches to develop your project ideas. Semester One focuses on your research plan, project structure, and the main theoretical issues you will be considering, along with a discussion of relevant literature in the area (with initial research bibliography). In Semester Two you will develop and redefine the ideas that you have proposed under the continued supervision of your tutor and submit a final completed dissertation.

The group-based section of the module will occupy the first part of Semester 5 and culminate (after a period of reflection) in the definition of your chosen topic or research and outline structure of the dissertation. By the end of the semester, you will have produced a draft introductory chapter (1,000 words) and critical bibliography. The remainder of the module will be taken up by your development of the project, supported by a series of regular consultations with the Dissertation Supervisor. This will culminate in the presentation of an 8,000 word dissertation with full scholarly apparatus.

Library resources and online eResources
IT equipment (including word-processing software)
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook

Cottrell, S. (2014) Dissertations and Project Reports, London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Gibbs, J. & Pye, D. eds. (2011) Style and Meaning, Manchester: Manchester University Press.
Greetham, B. (2014) How To Write Your Undergraduate Dissertation, London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Kershaw, B. & Nicholson, H. (2011) Research Methods in Theatre and Performance, Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

See module handbook for a full listing of all reading texts

Module not to be taken with
FTVR60507 Media Performance Dissertation or DRAM60171 Drama and Theatre Arts Research Project

1. CONDUCT INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH REQUIRING INDEPENDENT JUDGEMENT, SUSTAINED ARGUMENT AND CRITICAL ACUITY IN THE SELECTION AND SYNTHESIS OF RELEVANT MATERIALS, APPROPRIATELY TARGETED TO FULFIL A PARTICULAR BRIEF WITHIN A GIVEN TIMEFRAME.
[Enquiry]

2. DEMONSTRATE AN INVESTIGATION, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF A SELF-SELECTED ASPECT OF THEATRE, DRAMA OR PERFORMANCE THROUGH INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIP.
[Knowledge & Understanding]

3. PRESENT AND DEBATE COMPLEX ARGUMENTS IN WRITTEN FORM, APPLYING APPROPRIATE ACADEMIC CONVENTIONS IN THE PRESENTATION OF INDEPENDENT RESEARCH.
[Communication]

4. DISPLAY CRITICAL, EVALUATIVE AND INTERPRETIVE SKILLS IN RESPONSE TO THE TEXTS AND SOURCES USED FOR RESEARCH, AND COMPARE AND EVALUATE COMPETING IDEAS AND CONCEPTS USING LOGICAL AND SUPPORTED ARGUMENT.
[Analysis]

5. INITIATE, PLAN, AND SELF- MANAGE SUSTAINED PROJECTS OF INQUIRY AND RESEARCH AND USE ADVICE AND FEEDBACK CONSTRUCTIVELY.
[Problem Solving]