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FIL-30017 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 25 April 2024

FIL-30017 - Independent Study Project (ISP) in Film Studies
Coordinator: Neil Archer Tel: +44 1782 7 33202
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 733147

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25


Aims
The ISP aims to provide students the opportunity to research and realise a sustained piece of academic work, either is written form (dissertation) or as an audio-visual piece (video essay). Students will gain experience of undertaking a long-form research project in close consultation with a supervisor, and develop key skills, in terms of identifying and using a range of research materials, developing a sustained argument, and presenting a major piece of academic work.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Undertake independent research on a sustained piece of academic work: 1
Make use of a range of digital and other research resources, including visual materials where appropriate: 1
Produce a sustained argument on a given subject, either in written form or via audio-visual means: 1
Work independently and creatively on an original subject identified in consultation with a supervisor: 1
Show awareness of good academic practice and presentation, either in written form or via audio-visual means: 1
Produce work to a professional standard of execution, with the support of a supervisor: 1

Study hours

Introductory lecture/workshop x2 - two hours
Dissertation skills/video essay skills workshop - one hour
Individual Supervisions and feedback x 12 - twelve hours
Independent research and production of finished piece of work - 285 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Essay weighted 100%
Dissertation or Visual Essay
Students are able to choose between a) a 10,000 word dissertation, or b) a 20 minute video essay. a) Dissertation: Students complete a 10,000 word dissertation on a Film or Television studies subject of their choice, in consultation with a supervisor. The dissertation is weighted at 100% of the final mark. Students are assessed on the originality of their approach, the quality of their argument and writing, use of independent research, good academic practice, and the presentation of the final piece of work. b) Students prepare a 20 minute video essay on a Film or Television studies subject of their choice, in consultation with a supervisor, The essay is weighted at 100% of the final mark. The video essay will incorporate appropriate visual resources (e.g. film clips; interview/documentary materials; still images) to present the student's argument. The essay must also incorporate a range of critical and theoretical materials in support of the argument. Students are assessed on the originality of their topic and approach, the technical quality of their presentation, the clarity and quality of their argument, good academic practice, and their use of independent research. Full guidance for the execution of the video essay will be provided in the form of introductory lectures and workshops.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 25 April 2024