Module Title:Dissertation
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 20
NFQ Level:8
Module Delivered In 1 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Lectures, seminars, individual tutorials and feedback sessions. Blended learning using online resources such as Blackboard.
Module Aim: This module aims to develop learners' skills and conceptual awareness to research and execute an academic thesis in a fully professional manner. The process helps learners develop original and critical thinking about their chosen subject, question or hypothesis. The module encourages learners to make connections between their studio work and their thesis research topic. Emphasis is placed on the importance of critical engagement, historical specificity and discursive debate in contemporary culture. The module develops the individual learner’s ability to express complex ideas through verbal form. The module has three distinct components: 1. Annotated Bibliography 2. A literature Review. 3. Thesis Presentation/ seminar 4. The Dissertation
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Identify and describe detailed knowledge, scholarship of a self directed focus within contemporary debate(s) in the field(s) of art and design history/criticism, film theory/criticism, visual culture studies, community based learning etc.
LO2 Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and in-depth engagement with key moments in their research field that hold relevance to contemporary debates employing advanced research methods including online research, accessing visual art archives.
LO3 Apply their learning through a sustained piece of writing, an in-depth exploration of a theme or subject demonstrating independent and critical analysis in their findings and conclusion.
LO4 Analyze and categorize research material and writing into relevant component parts through chapter development and advanced presentation skills.
LO5 Evaluating and critically assessing research material and written work through a developed awareness of the importance of editing and formatting their work with regard to illustrations, footnotes, appendices and bibliography.
LO6 Create a dissertation demonstrating clear evidence of an in depth critical and contextual reflection on visual art/ film/visual culture and criticism and being able to time manage and meet deadlines.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Thesis Subject
In this subject students reflect on their learning in years 1-3 and devise their own research project and present a research proposal/rationale for their thesis. The proposal should include An outline of their topic, question or argument. A review /survey of relevant academic literature and annotated bibliography. A plan of execution and single methodology with defined targets of development. Details of primary research and data collection where appropriate. The award year will consist of group seminars and individual tutorials as well as focused research. Students are assigned a thesis advisor who supervises and supports their research project. Thesis advisors will meet students in the stages of research, draft and final phase of written work. Relevant areas of research, academic reference, lay out, structure, original material, referencing, management in time and in essay content will be established. Guidelines on when each stage of the dissertation is due will be clearly shown. In addition to the above the award student is encouraged to attend seminars, external specialist lectures and symposia around Ireland. In the second second semester students are asked to make a 15 minute presentation about their research to the class, lecturers and all years.
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment30.00%
Project70.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Essay Literature Review/Survey and Annotated Bibliography 1000-1200 words 1,2,4,5 20.00 n/a
Presentation Presentation: 15 minutes illustrated: 1,2,4,5 10.00 n/a
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Thesis: Word count 6,500-8,000 words. A dissertation is a sustained piece of writing where a subject or theme is explored in depth. The evidence presented in the dissertation is documented in the footnotes and bibliography. Supplementary material may also be included in appendices. Reading lists are developed by the learner in consultation with lecturers. 1,2,3,4,5,6 70.00 n/a
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Contact Hours Every Week 2.00
Lecture Every Week 2.00
Independent Learning Every Week 15.00
Total Hours 19.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_AWART_B Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Art 7 Mandatory