Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Sarah Keith sarah.keith@mq.edu.au Justine Martin justine.martin@mq.edu.au
Credit points	Credit points 16
Prerequisites	Prerequisites Admission to MCrMedia and 32cp at 800 level or above
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description This unit provides an opportunity for students to undertake a significant creative media project of a professional standard. Students research, design, and produce an original creative project and critically evaluate the outcomes. Students work independently with regular feedback from their supervisor, meeting regularly throughout the semester.

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:

Scope, plan, manage, and produce a substantial creative work at a professional level
Critically assess and discuss creative works independently and in a scholarly manner
Undertake research in a variety of academic and interdisciplinary fields to inform creative and analytical practice
Synthesise both creative and research skills to inform the production process

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Due	Short Extension
Creative Project Proposal	20%	Week 4	No
Progress Reports	15%	Weeks 3–12	No
Class Discussion	15%	Ongoing	No
Creative Project	30%	Week 13	No
Exegesis	20%	Week 14	No

Creative Project Proposal

Due: Week 4
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI Approach:

Length: 1500–2000 words

The Creative Project Proposal details the scope, timeline, and design of the Creative Project (due Week 13). It will address the following:

Title, brief project summary, and brief biography
Outline and aims of the project
Artistic merit: artistic rationale, context and significance, and relation to existing works (by yourself and/or others)
Research focus: research pertaining to the project, including that already undertaken and to be undertaken during the course of the project
Bibliography, videography, and discography of works informing the project
Selection of advisor/s
Viability: Detailed timetable, resources required and associated facility requests, roles of additional personnel and confirmation of their involvement
Further supporting material: any other audio, video, image, or other material as relevant

On successful completion you will be able to:

Scope, plan, manage, and produce a substantial creative work at a professional level
Critically assess and discuss creative works independently and in a scholarly manner
Undertake research in a variety of academic and interdisciplinary fields to inform creative and analytical practice

Progress Reports

Due: Weeks 3–12
Weighting: 15%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI Approach:

Length: 300–500 words each with additional media (sound/video etc.) as required

Progress Reports are to be submitted weekly and will demonstrate ongoing development of the Creative Project. They should address the following:

Ongoing research, including both scholarly research and creative analyses
Documentation of creative practice and self-reflection, including any peer or advisor comments/critique
Adherence to the Creative Project Proposal, discussing any unforeseen changes to the Creative Project Proposal and how these will be responded to within the set timeframe

Additional media may be included in Progress Reports, e.g. hyperlinks, photographs, rough audio mixes or recordings, rough video edits or raw footage.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Scope, plan, manage, and produce a substantial creative work at a professional level
Critically assess and discuss creative works independently and in a scholarly manner
Undertake research in a variety of academic and interdisciplinary fields to inform creative and analytical practice
Synthesise both creative and research skills to inform the production process

Class Discussion

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 15%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI Approach:

Class Discussion includes both leading and participating in class discussions. Student-led discussions will start from Week 5, and leaders will be responsible for preparing and presenting a progress report on their project, as well as leading subsequent discussion. Media (audio/video, text, etc) may be showcased as part of discussion. Participation in discussions will also be assessed. Discussions should address the following:

Current progress in relation to Creative Project Proposal
New/unforeseen developments and outcomes
Reflection on creative practice and creative/research methodology
Research developments
Work in progress
Constructive comment/criticism from peers

On successful completion you will be able to:

Critically assess and discuss creative works independently and in a scholarly manner
Undertake research in a variety of academic and interdisciplinary fields to inform creative and analytical practice

Creative Project

Due: Week 13
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI Approach:

The Creative Project consists of a major creative work in any media (audio, video, mixed media, etc). As a guide, the creative work will be of an equivalent scale to 6000 words of writing. The scope and the scale of the work is to be agreed by Week 3 in consultation with the unit convenor. The Creative Project should address the following:

Realisation of a complete creative work, articulating a coherent artistic statement
Production and technical proficiency in chosen medium, to a professional standard
Sustained independent learning, appropriate for Masters level of study

On successful completion you will be able to:

Scope, plan, manage, and produce a substantial creative work at a professional level
Synthesise both creative and research skills to inform the production process

Exegesis

Due: Week 14
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI Approach:

Students will submit a 4000 word written exegesis in support of the Creative Project. This document will serve as an academic justification and exploration of the Creative Project, incorporate creative and scholarly research, and will critically and reflectively contextualise the creative work. The exegesis should:

Articulate the project aims and scope
Situate the work within a critical and creative context, with reference to relevant creative and scholarly works
Describe and justify the methodology used
Provide a clear guide to the project materials
Articulate the research and creative components of the Creative Project in detail, in relation to research undertaken and creative context
Reflectively evaluate the project outcomes

On successful completion you will be able to:

Critically assess and discuss creative works independently and in a scholarly manner
Undertake research in a variety of academic and interdisciplinary fields to inform creative and analytical practice
Synthesise both creative and research skills to inform the production process

Delivery and Resources

Delivery

The unit will be delivered through seminars and individual project supervision. Students will be required to elect a advisor (or more than one) for the major project with whom they will meet periodically throughout the session. The advisor/s should be a specialist in the student's chosen production area and may be within the Department of Media, Music, Communication, and Cultural Studies, or an external/industry advisor. Seminars will focus on student-led discussions, address aspects of major project design, management of production processes, and the effective delivery of a substantial creative project.

Attendance

Students are required to attend all timetabled seminars for this unit. A roll will be taken in the first 10 minutes of every seminar; students entering late are responsible for making themselves known to the tutor so they can be marked as in attendance.

Website/iLearn

MECO844 will make use of iLearn. The MECO844 iLearn unit may be accessed from within the music labs or from off-campus at http:// www.ilearn.mq.edu.au. MECO844 will also make use of a dedicated Wordpress site, https://meco844.wordpress.com. Details on the use of this site will be discussed in the first seminar.

Facilities

Use of facilities will be negotiated on a project-by-project basis in consultation with the unit convenor and technical staff. Consideration will be given to demonstrated student technical competence, management of facility loads across all teaching and learning cohorts, and an assessment of the necessary facilities to support each approved major project. As part of the major project approvals process, consideration will be given to the capacity of the university to support the project within available facilities. Upon approval, a weekly allocation of facility time will be assigned which students will be expected to manage as part of their assessment tasks.

Assignment Submission

The Project Proposal and Exegesis will be submitted through iLearn. The weekly Progress Reports will be submitted through the MECO844 Wordpress site. The method of submission for the Major Project will be negotiated in advance with the unit convenor.

Extensions and Disruption to Study

Assessments submitted after the due date and time will automatically be deducted 10% per day (weekends included) unless medical certification or evidence of serious and unavoidable disruption is provided. For extensions, contact the course convenor well in advance if you may be unable to submit an assessment on time. Extensions will only be granted on grounds of illness or misadventure, where appropriate supporting documentation is submitted, and are awarded at the discretion of the course convenor.

Referencing Style

Preferred referencing styles include Harvard (http://libweb.anglia.ac.uk/referencing/harvard.htm? harvard_id=24#24) and APA (http://www.usq.edu.au/library/help/referencing/apa.htm). Either or any style may be used as long as all necessary information is provided and a consistent approach is taken.

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.

Additional information

MMCCS website: m mccs.mq.edu.au

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 - 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

Scope, plan, manage, and produce a substantial creative work at a professional level
Critically assess and discuss creative works independently and in a scholarly manner
Undertake research in a variety of academic and interdisciplinary fields to inform creative and analytical practice
Synthesise both creative and research skills to inform the production process

Assessment tasks

Creative Project Proposal
Progress Reports
Class Discussion
Creative Project
Exegesis

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

Scope, plan, manage, and produce a substantial creative work at a professional level
Critically assess and discuss creative works independently and in a scholarly manner
Undertake research in a variety of academic and interdisciplinary fields to inform creative and analytical practice
Synthesise both creative and research skills to inform the production process

Assessment tasks

Creative Project Proposal
Progress Reports
Class Discussion
Creative Project
Exegesis

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

Scope, plan, manage, and produce a substantial creative work at a professional level
Critically assess and discuss creative works independently and in a scholarly manner
Undertake research in a variety of academic and interdisciplinary fields to inform creative and analytical practice

Assessment tasks

Creative Project Proposal
Progress Reports
Class Discussion
Creative Project
Exegesis

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

Scope, plan, manage, and produce a substantial creative work at a professional level
Undertake research in a variety of academic and interdisciplinary fields to inform creative and analytical practice
Synthesise both creative and research skills to inform the production process

Assessment tasks

Creative Project Proposal
Progress Reports
Class Discussion
Creative Project
Exegesis

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

Scope, plan, manage, and produce a substantial creative work at a professional level
Synthesise both creative and research skills to inform the production process

Assessment tasks

Creative Project Proposal
Progress Reports
Creative Project
Exegesis

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 outcome

Critically assess and discuss creative works independently and in a scholarly manner

Assessment tasks

Creative Project Proposal
Progress Reports
Class Discussion
Exegesis