2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

FILM5630M Independent Project

60 Credits Class Size: 200

Module manager: Robert Miles
Email: R.J.Miles1@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 Sep to 31 Aug (12mth) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The Independent Project will allow you to develop your own interests in a substantial undertaking. This will take the form of the research and writing up of an investigation into a topic in Film Studies or a related area, or it will take the form of an activity or practice research project appropriate to your interests and skills, which will be accompanied by documentation and an analytical account of the process.

Objectives

The independent project enables students to develop their individual interests and to acquire dexterity in the use of the methodological tools of film theory and history already gained on the programme.

There are two routes available:

Route A: Students will research and write a dissertation (10, 000 words) on a topic in film studies or a related area agreed with the module leader, to be supervised by one of the programme team.

Route B: In consultation with module leader, students may undertake a practical activity or practice research project to be supervised by one of the programme team. This will involve any of a range of possible activities, from programming a film series, to developing a real-world resource currently lacking, to creating a suite of videoessays. The substance and achievement of the activity will be evidenced by appropriate documentation and a reflective account of the process (5,000 words) that will also theorise and historicise the activity.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. design, manage and implement a substantive independent research project, academic and/or practice-based.
2. exhibit dexterity in the use of the methodological tools of film and cultural theory and history: the ability to apply theories and concepts that have been grasped during the taught element of the programme to tackle research questions or resolve a problem or issue related to a more practical activity;
3. evaluate and criticise received opinion and/or practice;
4. where appropriate, deploy creative abilities and technical competence;
5. where appropriate, manage relationships with academics, peers and industry professionals in order to achieve goals;

Skills learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

6. Communication skills: Communicate effectively through clearly written solutions, including reflecting on own messages and using, where appropriate, digital technology to present an argument.
7. Time Management: produce a plan of action and demonstrate the ability to meet deadlines through working effectively on a project brief.
8. Critical thinking: Weigh up arguments, using supporting evidence, and identify gaps in knowledge.
9. Creative problem solving: define a problem, select and use appropriate approaches, analyse information from different sources to suggest solutions.
10. Creativity: Make connections across differing perspectives, generate ideas and demonstrate imaginative thinking and originality

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Supervision 5 1 5
seminars 2 1 2
Lecture 3 1 3
Private study hours 590
Total Contact hours 10
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 600

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Feedback will be provided by the supervisor at each supervision session. Students will receive formative feedback on their 2000-word draft from the supervisor and on the final work submitted.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Assignment 10,000-word dissertation OR portfolio (practical or practice research project evidenced by documentation and 5,000-word reflective/critical account of process) 100
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 16/05/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team