| CODE | THS3201 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Independent Research Project/Long Essay | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 8 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Theatre Studies | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The study-unit will provide a structured and supervised opportunity for final-year students to pursue a small independent research project, written on an agreed topic of interest within the areas of theatre and performance studies. Students work with a supervisor to identify research questions or concerns, to determine appropriate research methods, formulate their argument and structure an effective extended essay. The study-unit will entail researching a topic of interest to the discipline of theatre studies, using a range of investigative tools (such as theoretical investigation, performance analysis, archival work, etc.) and writing an essay of around 5000 words. Students must show an ability to plan ahead, keep deadlines and produce work that is academically and/or professionally rigorous. An awareness and understanding of the existent literature on the chosen topic is also expected. Study-Unit Aims: - To enable students to become familiar with a variety of research methods; - To enable students to deepen understanding of areas they have a specific interest in and which are not covered, or are only introduced, at undergraduate level studies; - To assist students to explore areas of theatre studies that can be useful when pursuing postgraduate studies or career paths. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Claim basic expertise in a specific area of theatre studies; - Design and plan a foundational research project; - Locate their research within the wider body of knowledge that is theatre studies; 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Work consistently on academic tasks over an extended period under limited supervision; - Relate and react to advice and criticism in positive and productive ways; - Format an extended piece of academic writing according to pre-established guidelines and conventions; - Communicate acquired knowledge in appropriate language. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - M. Hayford. 2022. Undergraduate Research in Theatre: A Guide for Students (London: Routledge). [available as e-book] - B. Kershaw and N. Nicholson (eds). 2011. Research Methods in Theatre and Performance (Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press). [available as e-book] Supplementary Readings: - Reading lists will be provided and discussed with tutors according to the area being researched and the selected research method/s. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Long Essay | ||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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