Good luck, have fun, and I look forward to working with you all again!

Level 6 B.A.(Hons) Digital Media Production

Investigative Study Unit Briefing

Notice to all articulating students

This briefing is for the Investigative Study Unit, which begins early next term (October 2009).

“In this unit you will conduct an Investigative Study on a topic relevant to your subject specialism, and produce a focused argument structured within a written project of 4000 words that will demonstrate appropriate levels of critical understanding, analysis and theoretical application.”

The suggested timeline of development for this unit is:

Summer 2009
initial choice of Investigative Study topic and formulation of question – I want each of you to email me with your topic and initial research question. Then I can comment on the issues you may want to consider BEFORE beginning your research – email rcotton@aucb.ac.uk include your name in the header eg:
your-name-investigative study. (This is necessary because some people have abstract or illegible email addresses).

Summer 2009 –
choose the topic you will be investigating
construct an appropriate research question to investigate
do some preliminary reading and research

September – October 2009
You have until the second week of term to finally commit to your choice of topic and research question.

Initial seminars on research, investigative study structure, time-management, advanced research methods, issues of copyright and plagiarism.

Individual tutorials to discuss your approach to your topic and research question

mid November 2009
First draft of Investigative study report to be handed-in
Feedback tutorials

November – December 2009
Working on final draft
Individual tutorials programmed as well as ‘tutorials on demand’ for those who need it

January 2010

(first week of term) final hand-in of finished Investigative Study Report

March 2010

second marking
April 2010

final marks and feedback

Title: Investigative Study unit

Ref:
Level: 6
Credit Points: 15
Weighting: 1.0
Study Time: 150 hours

Description:
In this unit you will conduct an Investigative Study on a topic relevant to your subject specialism, and produce a focused argument structured within a written project of 4000 words that will demonstrate appropriate levels of critical understanding, analysis and theoretical application.

Outline Syllabus:
• Realisation of Investigative Study topic and title
• Structure of written work
• Development of critical argument through the application of research
• Use of theoretical frameworks
• Application of academic protocols

Method of delivery:
Group debate on issues relating to individual Investigative Study proposals.
Individual tutorials to support your development and progress including preparation, discussion and feedback on the written project in progress.

Aims:
A1 To identify, and define the area of research

A2 To apply the skills required to plan research, formulate and present a written argument

A3 To investigate theoretical and cultural contexts appropriate to the area of research

Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this unit you will be able to:
LO1 Demonstrate independent judgement in analysis and investigation and the ability to draw together ideas within a particular area of study

LO2 Demonstrate the ability to plan, research, formulate and write a sustained piece of academic writing using appropriate academic protocols

LO3 Demonstrate the ability to debate appropriate theoretical and cultural contexts through the study

Assessment Requirements:
Written Investigative Study of 4,000 words 100%

Assessment Criteria: (specific criteria related to the learning outcomes and linked to the statement of generic assessment criteria matrix):

Evidence of research and analysis, synthesis and development-evidenced through the production of a piece of academic writing (LO1)

Evidence of knowledge of contextual and theoretical issues and depth of subject knowledge – Evidenced through production of an appropriate study (LO1)

Evidence of knowledge of academic protocols – Demonstrated through a well-structured and appropriately referenced written project (LO2)

Evidence of understanding and critical analysis through the application of research– Demonstrated through a self-negotiated subject within an appropriate theoretical and cultural context (LO3)

Reference Material:
This specialist and reference material will be determined by the individual nature of your Investigative Study; guidance on primary and secondary sources and other appropriate material will be provided by your tutor and Subject Librarian.

See
http://www.ece.cmu.edu/~koopman/essays/abstract.html
for advice on general structure of an abstract – this applies also to your report as a whole.

http://www.aib.ac.uk/aboutus/thelibrary/bibliography.aspx
essential reference on the recommended Harvard format for creating a scholarly bibliography and important notes on AIB plagiarism policy

Note on Plagiarism.

Plagiarism is when you copy other people’s work from whatever source (books, magazines, online) and do not correctly credit it to the original author. If you do this, intentionally or unintentionally, you may leave yourself open to accusations of cheating (plagiarism). The Harvard Referencing Guidelines (library bibliography link above) are the AIB/AUCB recommended guidelines for both constructing a bibliography, and for referencing quotations in your Report. Make sure you read them, and abide by them.

Suggested structure of Investigative Study Report

(This will vary somewhat according to your choice of subject and the research question you are investigating, but generally you need to have a formal structure something like the following)

title and author – your title (preferably phrased as a question)

table of contents – the main sections of your report and the page numbers where they start

abstract (see guidelines at http://www.ece.cmu.edu/~koopman/essays/abstract.html
and elsewhere.

introduction – include an explanation of your research question, definitions of any specialist terms, how you are approaching your investigation

historical background – the historical and socio-cultural context of your topic

current situation – summary of current developments in your topic

case study – an exemplary instance of a practitioner /company/studio in your topic sector

interview(s) – with leading practitioners/professionals/studios/organisations in your chosen topic area

conclusions and reflections – your conclusions – the ‘answer’ to your research question, together with your reflections on doing this project, what you have learned, how it impacts on your professional career, what you might do better in future.

Note on writing style appropriate for Investigative Study Unit
Please note that this is a degree-submission document, and that you should avoid casual, vernacular, ‘chatty’ styles of writing. These may be appropriate for blogging, magazine articles or in conversation with friends, but the Investigative Study unit requires a formal, balanced and objective approach that is written in a formal English style (like a text book).

Note: An academic document is defined by its structure AND the style of writing deployed. Pay careful attention to both these issues.

Document format, running header and page numbering
Make sure that your document has a running-header (in Word>View>Header and Footer) that includes your name, short document title and page number expressed as 1/10, 2/10 etc

The document should be saved in the format:
Yourname_Investigative-study-report-date.doc
And saved as a Word doc.