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Unit information: Independent Study: Extended Essay in 2022/23

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Independent Study: Extended Essay
Unit code THTR30017
Credit points 20
Level of study H/6
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Dr. Krebs
Open unit status Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)

None

Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)

None

Units you may not take alongside this one

None

School/department Department of Theatre
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Unit Information

The 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.

Your learning on this unit

On successful completion of this unit students will be able:

(1) to formulate appropriate research questions and concerns, to focus a written enquiry of their choosing;

(2) to determine appropriate methodologies and resources for exploring these questions;

(3) to carry out independent research and develop lines of inquiry, drawing on a range of sources and applying conceptual/theoretical frameworks in an advanced way;

(4) demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of primary and secondary sources relevant to the topic of research;

(5) to gather, organise and use information in a well-formulated argument, articulate and structure points effectively in a written form, supporting ideas with appropriate referencing;

(6) to apply with confidence and competence a range of theoretical ideas, and have developed a critical approach towards them;

(7) to communicate complex critical-theoretical thinking fluently, present scholarly writing in an appropriate format, using consistent academic references.

How you will learn

Teaching will be delivered using a blend of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, initially in small tutorial groups, which address methodologies and formulating questions, then individually.

How you will be assessed

5,000 word extended essay (100%) ILO 1-7.

This should include an 200-word Abstract, which outlines the research questions, concerns and methodology, and summarises the essay.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. THTR30017).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.

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