Students
MECO704 – Critical Enquiry and Creative Practice 3
2014 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Julian Knowles
Contact via julian.knowles@mq.edu.au
193F
By appointment
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Learn how to produce, improve and demonstrate your creative imagination, reasoning and skills through an appreciation of texts (literary, music/sound, film, performative, theoretical) using critical reflection and analytic tools. This unit will provide opportunities for critical reflection and/or creative production relevant to specific disciplinary areas.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the literature in their field as it applies to the student’s research topic.
- Evaluate, synthesize and analyze various texts (music, media, literary, theoretical) and scholarly literature appropriate to their research topic.
- Analyse and evaluate the arguments of others and revise and develop students' own ideas and arguments in relation to the scholarly literature in their field of knowledge.
- Communicate (either performative or oral, and written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods utilised in their field of research.
- Apply knowledge and ideas theories to new contexts and multiple mediums.
- Produce (written, sound, filmic, performative, theoretical) creative work relevant to the students discipline.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation | 20% | Weeks 4 and 5 |
| Creative Practice Task | 40% | Week 8 |
| Critical Enquiry Essay | 40% | Week 12 |
Presentation
Due: Weeks 4 and 5
Weighting: 20%
Students will prepare a 15 minute presentation about their creative practice, their motivations and a proposal for a creative research project.
Students must
- identify a relevant Field of Research (FOR) code or codes.
- outline what new knowledge or understandings they intend to pursue
- cite three key practitioners and three key literature sources and outline how these will inform the project
Students will be assessed according to the following criteria
- Capacity to locate a project in a research field
- Capacity to articulate an investigative aim and the new knowledge pursued
- The extent to which the cited literature and key works provide a clear and appropriate context for the investigation
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the literature in their field as it applies to the student’s research topic.
- Evaluate, synthesize and analyze various texts (music, media, literary, theoretical) and scholarly literature appropriate to their research topic.
- Analyse and evaluate the arguments of others and revise and develop students' own ideas and arguments in relation to the scholarly literature in their field of knowledge.
Creative Practice Task
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 40%
Students will produce a small scale creative work of a scope and type determined in consultation with academic staff, equivalent to a 2000 word essay. Students will present or submit documentation of this work, accompanied by a 250 word research statement.
Students must
- discuss and obtain approval from the lecturer on the proposed scope and nature of the creative work
- submit a durable record of the creative work for assessment. This can be a representation of the work (recording, print, image) or an appropriately documented version of the work (recording of performance, images/video of installed work).
- submit a 250 word abstract that specifically addresses the research component of the work
Students will be assessed according to the following criteria
- Capacity to scope and deliver a small creative work and deliver to deadline
- Capacity to construct and delivery a small creative project with a clearly articulated investigative aim
- Capacity to represent the work in an effective way for assessment
- Quality and originality of the submitted creative work
- Quality and effectiveness of the research abstract
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Communicate (either performative or oral, and written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods utilised in their field of research.
- Apply knowledge and ideas theories to new contexts and multiple mediums.
- Produce (written, sound, filmic, performative, theoretical) creative work relevant to the students discipline.
Critical Enquiry Essay
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 40%
Students will submit a 2000 word exegesis addressing the creative work produced in the unit. Building on the abstract from Assessment Task 2, the exegesis will provide a more detailed discussion of the work, outlining research aims, context/literature, methodology, and findings.
Students must
- develop an exegesis that addresses the creative work submitted for Assignment 2
- articulate the research aims and questions of the creative research project
- include a brief literature and context review that cites the most relevant literature and key works
- outline the methodology and creative process employed
- identify new insights, understandings or knowledge
Students will be assessed according to the following criteria
- Capacity to articulate a specific research question
- Capacity to situate the work in a broader field of practice and literature
- Capacity to identify a new area for investigation in the proposed field
- Capacity to articulate a research methodology and appropriate creative process
- Capacity to use reflection and synthesis to generate new insights, understandings or knowledge
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the literature in their field as it applies to the student’s research topic.
- Evaluate, synthesize and analyze various texts (music, media, literary, theoretical) and scholarly literature appropriate to their research topic.
- Analyse and evaluate the arguments of others and revise and develop students' own ideas and arguments in relation to the scholarly literature in their field of knowledge.
- Communicate (either performative or oral, and written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods utilised in their field of research.
- Apply knowledge and ideas theories to new contexts and multiple mediums.
Delivery and Resources
Delivery Mode
Day
Lecture Times and Locations
Lecture/Tutorial (2 hours)
An iLearn site will be used.
For current updates, lecture times and classrooms please consult the MQ Timetables website:
http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au.
Suggested Readings
Barrett, E. and Bolt B. (eds.) (2007) Practice as Research: Approaches to Creative Arts Enquiry, London: IB Tauris
Candy, L. (2006) 'Practice Led Research: A Guide'. Creativity and Cognition Studios. Sydney: University of Technology. http://www.creativityandcognition.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PBR-Guide-1.1-2006.pdf
Dallow, P. (2003) 'Representing creativeness: practice-based approaches to research in the creative arts', Art, Design and Communication in Higher Education, Volume 2, Number 1, March 2003, pp. 49-66
Gray, C. and Malins, J. (2004) Visualizing Research: A Guide to the Research Process in Art and Design, Aldershot: Ashgate
Gray, C. (1998) 'Inquiry through Practice: developing appropriate research strategies', in No Guru, No Method? Discussions on Art and Design Research, University of Art & Design, UIAH, Helsinki, Finland. .p 82 - 95 http://carolegray.net/Papers%20PDFs/ngnm.pdf
Haseman, B. (2006). 'A manifesto for performative research', Media International Australia, no. 118, pp. 98-106
McIntyre, P. (2006) 'Creative practice as research: 'Testing Out' the systems model of creativity through practitioner based enquiry', in conference proceedings Speculation and Innovation: Applying Practice Led Research in the Creative Industries, Queensland University of Technology. http://arts.brighton.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/43093/McintyreP.pdf
McNamara, A. (2012) 'Six Rules for Practice Led Research', Text, no.14. http://www.textjournal.com.au/speciss/issue14/McNamara.pdf
Smith, H. and Dean, R. (eds.) (2009) Practice Led Research: Research-Led Practice in the Creative Arts, Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press
Further readings available via iLearn site.
Technologies used and required
Students will complete a minor creative work in this unit and will be responsible for supplying appropriate consumable materials as required. These works may also require the use of production technologies or musical instruments to be negotiated with relevant department technical staff.
Unit Schedule
NB: This weekly schedule is offered as indicative only.
| Week 2 | Historical perspectives on creative practice research |
| Week 3 | Situating creative research. Who am I as a practitioner/researcher? What is my research context? |
| Week 4 |
Research into/through/about practice. Focusing your enquiry. Class Presentations 1 |
| Week 5 |
The 'six conditions of practice-led research' (Haseman/Mafe). Class Presentations 2 |
| Week 6 |
Creative practice research methods and processes. Scoping, designing and managing your project. |
| Week 7 | Crafting research statements and abstracts for creative practice. |
| Mid Semester Break | |
| Week 8 |
Managing research data. Documentation and reflection processes. Generating findings. Creative Practice Task due |
| Week 9 | Managing research data. Documentation and reflection processes. Generating findings. |
| Week 10 | Knowledge transfer: Exegetical writing 1 |
| Week 11 | Knowledge transfer: Exegetical writing 2 |
| Week 12 |
Knowledge transfer: The creative artefact - cross disciplinary views Critical Essay due |
| Week 13 | Scaling out creative research projects. The MRES and PhD context. |
Learning and Teaching Activities
Lecture
Seminar discussion
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Additional information
MMCCS Session Re-mark Application http://www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/public/download/?id=167914
Information is correct at the time of publication
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the literature in their field as it applies to the student’s research topic.
- Apply knowledge and ideas theories to new contexts and multiple mediums.
- Produce (written, sound, filmic, performative, theoretical) creative work relevant to the students discipline.
Assessment tasks
- Presentation
- Creative Practice Task
- Critical Enquiry Essay
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the literature in their field as it applies to the student’s research topic.
- Evaluate, synthesize and analyze various texts (music, media, literary, theoretical) and scholarly literature appropriate to their research topic.
- Analyse and evaluate the arguments of others and revise and develop students' own ideas and arguments in relation to the scholarly literature in their field of knowledge.
- Apply knowledge and ideas theories to new contexts and multiple mediums.
- Produce (written, sound, filmic, performative, theoretical) creative work relevant to the students discipline.
Assessment tasks
- Presentation
- Creative Practice Task
- Critical Enquiry Essay
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Evaluate, synthesize and analyze various texts (music, media, literary, theoretical) and scholarly literature appropriate to their research topic.
- Communicate (either performative or oral, and written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods utilised in their field of research.
- Apply knowledge and ideas theories to new contexts and multiple mediums.
- Produce (written, sound, filmic, performative, theoretical) creative work relevant to the students discipline.
Assessment tasks
- Presentation
- Creative Practice Task
- Critical Enquiry Essay
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the literature in their field as it applies to the student’s research topic.
- Evaluate, synthesize and analyze various texts (music, media, literary, theoretical) and scholarly literature appropriate to their research topic.
- Communicate (either performative or oral, and written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods utilised in their field of research.
Assessment tasks
- Presentation
- Critical Enquiry Essay
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Analyse and evaluate the arguments of others and revise and develop students' own ideas and arguments in relation to the scholarly literature in their field of knowledge.
- Communicate (either performative or oral, and written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods utilised in their field of research.
Assessment tasks
- Presentation
- Creative Practice Task
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Analyse and evaluate the arguments of others and revise and develop students' own ideas and arguments in relation to the scholarly literature in their field of knowledge.
- Apply knowledge and ideas theories to new contexts and multiple mediums.
- Produce (written, sound, filmic, performative, theoretical) creative work relevant to the students discipline.
Assessment tasks
- Creative Practice Task
- Critical Enquiry Essay