Building on the links between research and practice embedded at Level 5, the Critical and Historical Studies (CHS) Dissertation: Research and Reflection module focuses on in-depth research, critical enquiry and reflection on questions and critical issues emerging in students' own practice, and pertinent to the practice of their own discipline.
Over the module, students will initiate and develop an individual research topic; identify and evaluate appropriate archives, bodies of critical literature, visual/material sources and research methods; manage their study time; engage with and respond to tutorial dialogue and peer feedback, and apply critical and analytical skills to produce a 7-8000 word written Dissertation, supported by a series of lectures, seminars and tutorials.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The module depends on supported self-initiated research. Teaching and learning is supported by a variety of modes of delivery: large-scale briefing lectures and sessions devoted to development, structure, presentation and referencing; the development of topics via individual tutorials with a subject-specialist; group seminars for student presentation and peer feedback; formative feedback on drafts; and live writing workshops. All sessions are supported by use of Canvas. Advanced research skills are supported by sessions from the Learning Resources staff team. Practical advice on essay writing is provided by Academic Skills Advisors. Where possible, sessions will take place in studio. The module will make use of the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Canvas for communication and dissemination of information between students and staff as well as making online learning materials available to all.
All courses based in the Kingston School of Art offer students free access to the online video tutorial platform Lynda.com. This provides a wide range of subjects to choose from, many with downloadable exercise files, including software tutorials covering photography, graphics, web design, audio and music, CAD and Microsoft Office software, as well as courses on business and management skills. Some of these are embedded in the curriculum and offer additional self-paced learning, others may be taken at will by students wishing to broaden their employability skills in other areas.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Individual tutorials, lectures, group seminars, workshops | 14 |
| Guided independent study | Self-guided research, reflection and writing | 286 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The module is assessed by two components; the Dissertation (6,000 words), and the Statement (ca. 400-500 words).
The Dissertation assesses evidence of research and academic skills; application of skills in the identification, synthesis, analysis and evaluation of argument and critical positions; originality and autonomy; and students' ability to relate to issues within their own practice. Writing produced for tutorial sessions offer the opportunity for feedback on work in progress, and feed forward in the production of the final dissertation.
The Statement assesses critical reflection; awareness of contemporary contexts; application of research findings to own practice; written communication skills; independent thinking and research. Writing produced for tutorial sessions and workshops offer the opportunity for feedback on work in progress, and feed forward in the production of the final statement.
Feedback and feed forward are given on work in progress in scheduled tutorial sessions for the Dissertation and Statement.
Dissertation 6,000 words 75%
Statement 400 - 500 words 25%
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Propose, develop and organise an in-depth, well-presented extensively researched project utilising appropriate research methods, and with reference to a variety of appropriate and fully-referenced research sources; | Dissertation |
| 2) Articulate an individual and original voice through an autonomous and independent approach to the process of research, writing, and time-management; | Dissertation Statement |
| 3) Describe the relationship between their research topic and the issues explored in their own practice; | Dissertation Statement |
| 4) Identify, synthesise, analyse and evaluate arguments and critical positions pertinent to the historical and/or contemporary practice of Art & Design and relate them to their research topic; | Dissertation Statement |
| 5) Reflect on and describe their own practice in relation to contemporary research contexts. | Statement |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | Coursework | 75% |
| Statement | Coursework | 25% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Berry, R. (1995) The Research Project: How to Write It. London: Routledge.
Gray, C. and Malins, J. (2004) Visualizing Research: A Guide to the Research Process in Art and Design. London: Ashgate.
Emmison, M and Smith, P. (eds) (2000), Researching the Visual: Images, Contexts and Interactions in Social and Cultural Enquiry. London: Sage.
Holly M. and Smith, M. (eds.) (2008). What is Research in the Visual Arts? Obsession, Archive, Encounter. Clark Institute.
Rose. G. (2001) Visual Methodologies. London: Sage.
Bibliographies will vary according to individual research projects.