Dissertation in Media, Communications and Culture
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC4097 | Media, Languages and Cultures | 4 | 60 | Summer Malaysia |
- Code
- MLAC4097
- School
- Media, Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 60
- Semesters
- Summer Malaysia
Summary
The module entails practice and training in devising, researching and writing up an individual research project. A dissertation should be conceived and organised as an attempt to state and substantiate a particular point of view on the material under discussion. It should consist of a critical assessment of one or more theoretical approach, or the reflexive application of one or more theoretical approach to a social, political, cultural or literary phenomenon or phenomena.
Target Students
Students taking the MA in Media, Communications and Culture
Classes
Minimum of six 1-hour supervisions during the course of the dissertation; 300 hours student-led research and 140 hours preparation and writing dissertation,
Assessment
- 50% Practical or creative component: Can be short film, creative writing, theatre, multimedia art
- 50% Dissertation: Dissertation of 4,000 - 5,000 words
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
The dissertation module provides students with the experience of devising, researching and writing an individual research proposal, literature review and research project. Students will gain in-depth knowledge:(i) of at least one critical theoretical approach and(ii) of at least one cultural phenomenon. The dissertation also focuses on the application of theory to cultural practice.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
On completion of this module, students will demonstrate:
- Specialised knowledge and understanding of at least one literary, cultural, political, social or intellectual phenomenon;
- Specialised knowledge and understanding of at least one theory in relation to a relevant debate, issue or academic discipline;
- Ability independently and critically to appraise the theories studied in conceptual terms, with reference to secondary sources;
Ability to apply the theories reflexively to media, literary and cultural texts.
Intellectual skills:
Students of this module will have developed:
- Ability to develop and sustain a coherent argument;
- Advanced textual interpretation and analysis;
- Conceptual dexterity;
- Understanding and appraisal of complex ideas;
Critical analysis of concrete phenomena.
Professional/practical Skills:
On completion of this module, students will demonstrate:
- Scholarly referencing and bibliographical skills;
- Ability to select, sift and synthesise knowledge from various sources;
- Accurate and adroit presentation of knowledge;
Ability to plan, research and write up a sustained piece of research, independently and under supervision.
Transferable skills:
On completion of this module, students will demonstrate:
- The capacity to conduct library and internet-based independent research;
- Enhanced written communication skills and information retrieval skills;
- The capacity to critically evaluate different sources of information (historical accounts, media reports, research and reports);
- The ability to apply abstract theoretical paradigms to empirical examples and to evaluate their value; Self-management in terms of time planning and management;
- Ability to express complex ideas clearly and coherently in writing and speech; Word processing;
- Conceptual problem solving; Independent, critical thinking.