LT834-6-FY-CO:
Independent Project in Film Studies
2023/24
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 28 June 2024
30
04 April 2023
Requisites for this module
LT121
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
Independent Study is a research project. It gives you an opportunity to pursue a particular enthusiasm that might not be covered in your taught modules, or to take an aspect of a taught module that has caught your imagination a step further, pursuing it in depth; and it offers invaluable training. It will help you develop a high level of organisation and self-discipline which will be invaluable as you move on to further study and/or employment; it asks for a willingness to focus with determination on one subject for more an extended period of time.
All second year film students undertake an Independent Study Project (ISP) in the third year, under supervision by a member of staff. Your supervisor will guide you and help you shape your project.
The Independent Film Studies research project is intended to be an investigation into an aspect of cinema and/or related media, delivered through written and presentation components. It is designed by the student and examined by a 7,500 word written dissertation. The project includes an assessed presentation. The autumn term will be led by the module supervisor, with attendance of weekly timetabled classes required to support the development of your research. Based on your assessed research proposal, you will be assigned a project supervisor in the autumn term, and will be expected to meet twice with them during the autumn, and regularly during the spring term.
The aims of the module are to:
1. facilitate the completion of in-depth research into a specific film/media studies topic, through engagement with research, organisation, and writing.
2. support students in performing scholarly research, encouraging the development of writing skills, focus, and independent critical thinking.
3. further develop skills acquired during years 1 and 2.
4. foster self-directed learning through the experience of carrying through a significant independent project.
5. enhance communication of complex ideas through writing.
6. develop an understanding of what it takes to carry out and complete a sustained research project over an extended period of time.
Upon successful completion of the module, students should:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of a specific topic and relevant scholarly perspectives
2. Have developed a more advanced understanding of research processes
3. Have developed their critical and analytical skills refined by study of film history and theory and in understanding cinema practices and their key concepts
4. Be able to show an awareness of a range of research methodologies related to film and media
5. Be able to source and review appropriate research materials and literature
6. Be able to structure and sustain a critical argument over a lengthy piece of written work
No additional information available.
Anticipated teaching delivery: 1-hour tutorials
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
500-word independent project proposal |
|
10% |
| Coursework |
Presentation |
|
15% |
| Coursework |
Written dissertation |
|
75% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Sarah Smyth, email: sarah.smyth@essex.ac.uk.
Various
LiFTS General Office - email liftstt@essex.ac.uk.
Telephone 01206 872626
No
No
No
Dr Andrew Birtwistle
Canterbury Christ Church University
Reader in Film and Sound
Available via Moodle
Of 36 hours, 34 (94.4%) hours available to students:
2 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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