Module Provider: |
Typography |
Number of credits: |
60 [30 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
M |
Terms in which taught: |
Autumn, Spring and Summer |
Module Convenor: |
Mr
P
Stiff |
Pre-requisites: |
|
Co-requisites: |
|
Modules excluded: |
|
Module version for: |
2007/8 |
Aims:
To enable students to show their intellectual mastery of a particular aspect of information design by engaging in an advanced study of a topic chosen by themselves, and so to produce an extended piece of scholarly writing that is coherently argued, well-written, and well-presented. In order to do this they will need to display an active awareness of, and an ability to effectively employ, relevant and appropriate methods of investigation and enquiry. The resulting dissertation should demonstrate the following learning outcomes. |
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module students should be able to demonstrate independent research skills. They should be able to:
exercise independent judgement
locate, analyse and explain information about their topic
critically review and evaluate the literature associated with their topic
employ methods of enquiry appropriate for and relevant to their topic
organise complex material
write clearly, judiciously make and use illustrations, and present their dissertation to a satisfactory standard |
Additional outcomes:
By the end of the module students should have further developed their skills in personal organisation and time management through independent study, and should be able to make constructive use of feedback. |
Outline content:
Students choose their topic in consultation with staff.
Preliminary work will provide students with guidance on:
identifying the characteristics of good dissertations
searching effectively for published and unpublished sources of information and exploring relevant contacts
efficient methods for note-taking and recording bibliographical details
literature reviews and bibliographic referencing
drafting, presenting, revising and finalising a topic proposal
choice of appropriate methods of enquiry (students may work with primary source materials, conduct interviews and engage in empirical studies)
writing and presenting the dissertation, including the establishment of a sound copy-editorial framework
Once the topic has been agreed by the Programme Director, work will be mainly self-directed, though punctuated by tutorials with supervisors. Students will be expected to show the development of their writing in drafts for discussion |
Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
Although work will be mainly self-directed independent study, the preliminary stages will involve a series of seminars/workshops on basic research and scholarly writing skills. Students will make oral presentations of their topic proposal. As their work develops, students' drafts for discussion will provide the basis for tutorial meetings with supervisors. Supervisors will use these tutorials to monitor students' progress, and contact hours will be determined by agreement between student and supervisor. |
Contact hours:
| |
Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
|
1 |
|
| Tutorials/seminars |
|
|
|
| Practicals |
|
|
|
| Other contact (eg study visits) |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
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| Total hours |
10 |
5 |
2 |
| |
|
|
|
| Number of essays or assignments |
|
|
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| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
|
|
|
|
Assessment:
Coursework
The dissertation - a substantial written study of between 10,000 and 13,000 words - on some aspect of information design, under a topic approved by the Programme Director, to be submitted by a date near the end of September. Presentation of the dissertation should conform to guidelines published in the Department's Handbook for taught postgraduate programmes.
Relative percentage of coursework: The dissertation will constitute 100 per cent of the coursework assessment.
Examinations
Not applicable
Requirements for a pass
50 per cent
Reassessment arrangements
Re-submission of dissertation |
staff
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