Students
MECO701 – Research Practices
2015 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
John Potts
Contact via 9850 2163
Y3A 165J
Monday 11-1
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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
In this unit students will develop knowledge of the literature and practices in their field. They will do this by learning to navigate research databases and academic indexes relevant to their field and topic, and research and write annotated bibliographies that will help them to not only gather material, but to read that material critically and evaluate its relevance for their field and topic in preparation for writing a literature review at 800 level. Students will also be introduced to the ethical practices that inform their field of study.
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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 students' research topic.
- Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various texts ( media, literary, theoretical, creative practice) 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 work 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 in their field of research.
- Demonstrate higher degree research practices including literature reviews.
- Acquire knowledge of advanced research methodologies and strategies in thesis writing.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis Abstract | 20% | 1 September |
| Seminar Presentation | 30% | Weeks 9-12 |
| Written Assessment Task | 50% | 9 November |
Thesis Abstract
Due: 1 September
Weighting: 20%
Students submit a 300 word abstract of their MRes thesis. This abstract should be a coherent summary of the research question to be pursued in the thesis. It should include discussion of research methodology where appropriate, and should also outline the significance of the proposed research. The abstract is to be submitted to the convenor in the seminar of Week 6.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the literature in their field as it applies to the students' research topic.
- Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various texts ( media, literary, theoretical, creative practice) and scholarly literature appropriate to their research topic.
Seminar Presentation
Due: Weeks 9-12
Weighting: 30%
Students present to the seminar group a critical analysis of two texts relevant to their thesis topic. The texts may be works of scholarly writing, or they may be works of creative practice. One of these pieces should be a work you admire; the other should be a work of which you are critical. Conduct a critical appraisal of the two pieces. In your presentation, outline the ways in which critical interpretation of these works could form the beginnings of a literature review.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the literature in their field as it applies to the students' research topic.
- Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various texts ( media, literary, theoretical, creative practice) 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 work 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 in their field of research.
- Demonstrate higher degree research practices including literature reviews.
Written Assessment Task
Due: 9 November
Weighting: 50%
Write a 2500-3000 word essay discussing the significance of three key thinkers in the field relevant to your thesis topic. Analyse their contribution to the field and their relevance to your research topic.
Note that 'thinkers' can include anyone who has made a significant contribution to your field through scholarly critical writing and/or practice-based research in the creative arts.
Your essay should use academic presentation and references relevant to your discipline. Further information on writing style and referencing, as well as assessment submission, will be provided on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the literature in their field as it applies to the students' research topic.
- Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various texts ( media, literary, theoretical, creative practice) 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 work 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 in their field of research.
- Demonstrate higher degree research practices including literature reviews.
- Acquire knowledge of advanced research methodologies and strategies in thesis writing.
Delivery and Resources
Seminars begin in Week 2. The convenor will provide a book of readings for the unit. Further information on assignment submission and other information will be provided on iLearn.
Unit Schedule
Seminar Schedule: Research Practices
WEEK 2: INTRODUCTION TO THE UNIT
4 August
WEEK 3: THE RESEARCH QUESTION AND THE ABSTRACT
11 August Irene L. Clark, 'Writing the Abstract' in Writing the Successful Thesis and Dissertation (2007)
WEEK 4: ADVANCED RESEARCH SKILLS SESSION
18 August Note: This session is held in Training Room M4.02, Level 4 of Macquarie University Library, 2-4 pm. Session conducted by Alana Hadfield, Library Liaison
WEEK 5: ETHICS; DRAFTING THE ABSTRACT
25 August Gina Wisker, 'Ethics and Confidentiality' in The Postgraduate Research Handbook (2008)
WEEK 6: WRITING STYLE, REFERENCING, WRITING FOR EXAMINERS
1 September Rowena Wallace, 'Principles of Academic Writing' in How to Write a Thesis (2011)
WEEK 7: RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
8 September Gina Wisker, 'Methodology' in The Postgraduate Research Handbook (2008)
Jeni Thornley, 'Island Home Country: On the Possibility of Praxis between Artefact and Exegesis
in the Creative Arts Doctorate: A Case Study' in Ravelli, Paltridge and Starfield (eds) Doctoral
Writing in the Creative and Performing Arts (2014)
MID-SEMESTER BREAK
WEEK 8: ANNOTATED READING AND THE LITERATURE REVIEW
29 September Gina Wisker, 'Carrying out a Literature Review' in The Postgraduate Research Handbook (2008)
Barbara Kamler and Pat Thomson, 'Persuading an Octopus into a Glass' in Helping Doctoral Students Write:
Pedagogies for Supervisors, New York: Routledge, 2006
WEEKS 9 - 12: STUDENT SEMINAR PRESENTATIONS
6 October - 27 October
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Clark, Irene L, Writing the Successful Thesis and Dissertation: Entering the Conversation, Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, 2007
Murray, Rowena, How to Write a Thesis, New York: Open University Press, 2011
Ravelli, L., Paltridge, B., and Starfield, S, (eds) Doctoral Writing in the Creative and Performing Arts, Faringdon: Libri Publishing, 2014
Smith, Hazel and Dean, Roger T., Practice-led Research and Research-led Practice in the Creative Arts, Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2009
Wisker, Gina, The Postgraduate Research Handbook, Basingstoke: Palsgrave Macmillan, 2008
Wissler, Rod et. al. (eds) Innovation in Australian Arts, Media and Design: Fresh Challenges for the Tertiary Sector, Flaxton: Post Pressed, 2004
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/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
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 - 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
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the literature in their field as it applies to the students' research topic.
- Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various texts ( media, literary, theoretical, creative practice) 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 work 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 in their field of research.
- Demonstrate higher degree research practices including literature reviews.
Assessment tasks
- Thesis Abstract
- Seminar Presentation
- Written Assessment Task
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 students' research topic.
- Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various texts ( media, literary, theoretical, creative practice) and scholarly literature appropriate to their research topic.
- Demonstrate higher degree research practices including literature reviews.
- Acquire knowledge of advanced research methodologies and strategies in thesis writing.
Assessment tasks
- Thesis Abstract
- Seminar Presentation
- Written Assessment Task
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 students' research topic.
- Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various texts ( media, literary, theoretical, creative practice) 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 work 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 in their field of research.
- Acquire knowledge of advanced research methodologies and strategies in thesis writing.
Assessment tasks
- Thesis Abstract
- Seminar Presentation
- Written Assessment Task
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, synthesise and analyse various texts ( media, literary, theoretical, creative practice) 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 work 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 in their field of research.
- Demonstrate higher degree research practices including literature reviews.
- Acquire knowledge of advanced research methodologies and strategies in thesis writing.
Assessment tasks
- Thesis Abstract
- Seminar Presentation
- Written Assessment Task
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
- Communicate (either performative or oral, and written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods in their field of research.
- Demonstrate higher degree research practices including literature reviews.
- Acquire knowledge of advanced research methodologies and strategies in thesis writing.
Assessment tasks
- Seminar Presentation
- Written Assessment Task
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
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the literature in their field as it applies to the students' research topic.
- Analyse and evaluate the arguments of others and revise and develop students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to the scholarly work in their field of knowledge.
- Acquire knowledge of advanced research methodologies and strategies in thesis writing.
Assessment tasks
- Thesis Abstract
- Seminar Presentation
- Written Assessment Task