Students

MECO851 – Screen Investigations

2018 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor/Lecturer
Cleo Mees
Contact via cleo.mees@mq.edu.au
Y3A
Available for consultation after class by appointment
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MCrMedia or MCrInd or MFJ or MCreIndMFJ or MMedia or MCreIndMMedia
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit deals with researching and investigating ideas for screen media in a convergent era. It explores techniques for generating and developing ideas for drama, documentary, video essays and hybrid forms. Over the course of the unit, students will be guided through the process of writing, editing and producing and critically evaluating their own screen projects. There will be opportunities to work both individually and collaboratively. Together, students will explore the purpose and role of screen storytelling around the globe. The unit is best suited to those interested in screenwriting, creative process and screen production.

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 an understanding of the practices and aesthetics of developing an online Video Essay, from generating ideas to production.
  • Build and synthesise audio-visual storytelling skills through the development of an online Video Essay.
  • Critically analyse selected audio-visual products.
  • Develop further skills in creative media projects by taking an idea through several key stages and working with text and images.
  • Engage in reflective, practice-based learning.

General Assessment Information

Unit Requirements and Expectations

Students attend and participate in a three-hour seminar each week from Weeks  1-8  of Semester 1. Classes begin in Week 1. You are required to attend all seminars. As engagement in practice-based learning is linked to and underpins the unit Learning Outcomes, you will need to either apply for Disruptions to Studies to cover any missed seminars (if the disruption is greater than three days) or supply appropriate documentation to your unit convenor for any missed tutorial (if less than three consecutive days). 

Students are expected to read and view materials posted by the Lecturer at the iLearn page for this course.

Assessment tasks align with the unit Learning Outcomes. Assessment standards in this unit also align with the University's grade descriptors, available at: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment

Timely submission of assessment tasks is a unit requirement. Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (including weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

There is no examination for this unit.

Submitting Assignments 

Assignments should be submitted via the links provided at the Course's iLearn page.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Video Essay Concept/Outline 35% No Monday 19th March 2018
Video Essay Production 45% No Monday 30th April 2018
Reflective Statement 20% No Monday 14th May 2018

Video Essay Concept/Outline

Due: Monday 19th March 2018
Weighting: 35%

 

Assignment 1

Research and Write a Concept/Outline for a 6-8-minute Online Video Essay.

The Concept/Outline should be for a Video Essay that:

  1. addresses any aspect of screen storytelling, production, aesthetics (fiction, non-fiction or hybrid) that interests you OR
  2. addresses a contemporary or historical topic that would make it suitable for dissemination via an online journalism/documentary site.

The Concept/Outline should:

* describe your initial screen idea and your intended approach, themes, subject, imagery, argument, narrative or change over time, tone, genre, tone. (As many of these as appropriate to your idea).

*  include key images and brief notes on the ways you will research and develop your concept. 

*  address 2 short online video essays you have sourced that might inspire aspects of your own. Briefly identify what they do effectively that you may draw on.

Your Concept/Outline can be presented as: 

a. collage or assembly of images and text (may be delivered as PowerPoint presentation, video, or pdf)

OR

b.  a written text accompanied by 1 or 2 key images

It should be a maximum of 750 words or an equivalent in words and images. 

This assignment will be discussed further in MECO 851 seminars.

Submission: via iLearn link.

Assessment Criteria:

  • identification and refinement of an idea for an online Video Essay 
  • suitability of the Concept/Outline as the basis for an engaging online Video Essay
  • evidence of considered research in more than one medium -- print, online, visual, audio etc. 
  • clarity of expression and presentation 

 

 

 

 

 

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Build and synthesise audio-visual storytelling skills through the development of an online Video Essay.
  • Critically analyse selected audio-visual products.
  • Develop further skills in creative media projects by taking an idea through several key stages and working with text and images.
  • Engage in reflective, practice-based learning.

Video Essay Production

Due: Monday 30th April 2018
Weighting: 45%

Assignment 2

Complete a 6-8-minute Online Video Essay.

The  Video Essay should:

  1. address an aspect of screen storytelling, production, aesthetics (fiction, non-fiction or hybrid) that interests you OR
  2. address a contemporary or historical topic that would make it suitable for dissemination via an online journalism/documentary site

The assignment will be discussed in seminars. Dedicated screen production support is available.  You will be asked to present and discuss a draft edit of your work in Week 7.   

Submission: via iLearn link.

Submit a pdf or Word document including your name, student number, a title for the video, and a URL (link) to access the video.

Assessment Criteria:

  • evidence of in-depth research.
  • clarity of theme/argument/narrative and its progression.
  • creative use of audio-visual media including imagery, sound, narration, text-on-screen etc. 
  • contribution to debates and discussion about the practices of  contemporary online screen media. 

On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the practices and aesthetics of developing an online Video Essay, from generating ideas to production.
  • Build and synthesise audio-visual storytelling skills through the development of an online Video Essay.
  • Critically analyse selected audio-visual products.
  • Develop further skills in creative media projects by taking an idea through several key stages and working with text and images.
  • Engage in reflective, practice-based learning.

Reflective Statement

Due: Monday 14th May 2018
Weighting: 20%

Assignment 3

Write a 700-word statement reflecting on what you have learned throughout this course.

Your statement should include:

* reflections on challenges you faced in the development of your Online Video Essay, how you responded to them, and what you learned from navigating these challenges.

* reflections on broader aspects of Online Video Essay production that you found exciting, challenging, troubling or otherwise interesting, with reference to in-class discussions and/or key reading and viewing materials.

Submission: via iLearn link.

NB: This statement is due on Monday of Week 10. This is 2 weeks after the Video Essay due date.

Assessment Criteria:

  • evidence of active engagement with course materials and in-class discussions.
  • evidence of reflective and independently motivated learning and research.
  • clarity of expression and presentation.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the practices and aesthetics of developing an online Video Essay, from generating ideas to production.
  • Critically analyse selected audio-visual products.
  • Engage in reflective, practice-based learning.

Delivery and Resources

 

Key viewing and readings will be available via the course's iLearn page. It is expected that you read and view the relevant materials for each week before attending the class.

Come prepared to participate in practical in-class activities. Wear comfortable clothing.

Workshops in camera, sound and editing will be run by Screen Technical Officer Marcus Eckermann within selected seminars. Marcus is also available for production support. 

Students are encouraged to make use of the  Macquarie University Library's extensive  books, journals and A/V holdings relevant to this topic. The Convenor is happy to make suggestions relevant to your interests. 

 

 

 

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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.

Additional information

MMCCS website https://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/faculties_and_departments/faculty_of_arts/department_of_media_music_communication_and_cultural_studies/

MMCCS Session Remark Application http://www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/public/download/?id=167914

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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources 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 an understanding of the practices and aesthetics of developing an online Video Essay, from generating ideas to production.
  • Build and synthesise audio-visual storytelling skills through the development of an online Video Essay.
  • Critically analyse selected audio-visual products.
  • Develop further skills in creative media projects by taking an idea through several key stages and working with text and images.
  • Engage in reflective, practice-based learning.

Assessment tasks

  • Video Essay Concept/Outline
  • Video Essay Production
  • Reflective Statement

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 an understanding of the practices and aesthetics of developing an online Video Essay, from generating ideas to production.
  • Build and synthesise audio-visual storytelling skills through the development of an online Video Essay.
  • Develop further skills in creative media projects by taking an idea through several key stages and working with text and images.

Assessment tasks

  • Video Essay Concept/Outline
  • Video Essay Production
  • Reflective Statement

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 an understanding of the practices and aesthetics of developing an online Video Essay, from generating ideas to production.
  • Critically analyse selected audio-visual products.
  • Engage in reflective, practice-based learning.

Assessment tasks

  • Video Essay Concept/Outline
  • Video Essay Production
  • Reflective Statement

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

  • Build and synthesise audio-visual storytelling skills through the development of an online Video Essay.
  • Develop further skills in creative media projects by taking an idea through several key stages and working with text and images.
  • Engage in reflective, practice-based learning.

Assessment tasks

  • Video Essay Concept/Outline
  • Video Essay Production
  • Reflective Statement

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 an understanding of the practices and aesthetics of developing an online Video Essay, from generating ideas to production.
  • Build and synthesise audio-visual storytelling skills through the development of an online Video Essay.
  • Critically analyse selected audio-visual products.
  • Engage in reflective, practice-based learning.

Assessment tasks

  • Video Essay Concept/Outline
  • Video Essay Production
  • Reflective Statement

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

  • Critically analyse selected audio-visual products.
  • Develop further skills in creative media projects by taking an idea through several key stages and working with text and images.
  • Engage in reflective, practice-based learning.

Assessment tasks

  • Video Essay Concept/Outline
  • Video Essay Production
  • Reflective Statement