Students
MECO846 – Creative Research Project
2016 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convener/Lecturer
Andrew Frost
Y3A 165G
By appointment
Tutor
Intan Paramaditha
By appointment
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
8
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MCrMedia or MCrInd or MFJ and 32cp at 800 level
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
MECO 802
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| Unit description |
Unit description
In this unit students undertake a major research project on a topic relevant to their disciplinary specialisation and production folio. The focus is on building research skills that can lead to insights relevant to professional and applied contexts in the creative industries. Students are required to present project outcomes online in a rich media format, including video and audio materials, thus developing essential skills in research driven, media rich, online writing forms.
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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:
- Identify and describe a series of research questions
- Develop detailed knowledge of a specific academic field through literature and context reviews
- Differentiate and discriminate between approaches to research
- Analyse and evaluate scholarly research
- Develop oral presentation skills
- Formulate arguments and communicate in written forms at an advanced level
- Demonstrate how these are aligned with the level of the unit (i.e. undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate)
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Presentation | 10% | As scheduled | No | ||
| Project Literature Review | 20% | 5pm, Friday April 8, 2016 | No | ||
| Abstract | 30% | 5pm, Friday April 29, 2016 | No | ||
| Research Project Output | 40% | 5pm, Friday June 3, 2016 | No |
Research Presentation
Due: As scheduled
Weighting: 10%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
As the unit progresses, students will be scheduled to give an oral presentation on the progress of their research. The dates and times will depend on the number of students in the unit.
In this presentation you will discuss:
- The field of the research
- How your work relates to the field
- The main debates, arguments and/or theoretical positions of the field, and your analysis of those positions
- The overall progress of your research
- An indication of the format of your creative research project
Marking Criteria
- Ability to identify and describe your research area
- Ability to analyse and evaluate research
- Oral presentation skills
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop oral presentation skills
Project Literature Review
Due: 5pm, Friday April 8, 2016
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
In this unit you will undertake a major research project on a topic relevant to your disciplinary specialisation. The final outcome of the research will be in a rich media online format and will include text, video and audio materials.
As the first step toward the completion of the project, you will undertake a literature review. A literature review is a comprehensive and critical review of literature such as academic publications including books, book chapters, journal articles, conference proceedings etc but can also include a critical discussion of news and popular media sources and other materials that together provide the theoretical foundation of your chosen topic. [A useful guide to Literature Reviews is located at LibGuides].
You will begin to define your project topic and research question by producing an academically cited, 1,500 word [minimum, not including citations] literature review.
The literature review is due 5pm, Friday April 8, 2016 and will be submitted to Turnitin via the link on the unit's iLearn page.
Marking Criteria
- Evidence of detailed and relevant research
- Articulate and coherent discussion of the literature
- A comprehensive and detailed bibliography
- A clearly articulated context for the project
- Written expression and research at an appropriate graduate level
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and describe a series of research questions
- Develop detailed knowledge of a specific academic field through literature and context reviews
- Analyse and evaluate scholarly research
- Formulate arguments and communicate in written forms at an advanced level
- Demonstrate how these are aligned with the level of the unit (i.e. undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate)
Abstract
Due: 5pm, Friday April 29, 2016
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
Drawing together research from the literature review, you will write an abstract in which you outline the project, its context and importance, and propose a research question. The abstract will be 250 words in length and adhere to the abstract format.
The abstract is due 5pm Friday April 29th, 2016 and submitted to Turnitin via the unit's iLearn page.
Marking Criteria
- Adherence to the academic abstract format and content
- A clearly articulated context based on materials gathered in the literature review
- A clearly defined and articulated research question
- Written expression and research at an appropriate graduate level
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop detailed knowledge of a specific academic field through literature and context reviews
- Analyse and evaluate scholarly research
- Formulate arguments and communicate in written forms at an advanced level
- Demonstrate how these are aligned with the level of the unit (i.e. undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate)
Research Project Output
Due: 5pm, Friday June 3, 2016
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
The Creative Research Project is essentially an expanded form of visual essay that utilises the web's potential for the integration of multiple media formats. Using a website or blog format as the basis of the project, you will produce an essay that answers the question proposed by your abstract using text, video and audio to complement and expand the traditional essay genre, incorporating the unique potential for viewer/reader interaction with the material.
In this context, the 'essay' may include any combination of elements including:
- text
- video - video essays, clips, examples etc
- audio - narration, music, sound design etc
- images - as individual images, slideshows
The Research Project puts an emphasis on a creative engagement with the possibilities of the formats you use, but also places an importance on a critically coherent and lucid argument that clearly answers the research question.
The word limit for the project is between 1,500 and 3,000 words with media elements [video, audio, slideshows etc] no longer than three minutes each.
The final project is due 5pm Friday June 3, 2016 submitted as a link to Turnitin via the unit's iLearn page.*
* Note: Turnitin requires that all submitted documents are at least 60 words in length so include your name, student number, contact details and any relevant instructions for the Research Project to reach the 60 word minimum.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and describe a series of research questions
- Develop detailed knowledge of a specific academic field through literature and context reviews
- Differentiate and discriminate between approaches to research
- Formulate arguments and communicate in written forms at an advanced level
- Demonstrate how these are aligned with the level of the unit (i.e. undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate)
Delivery and Resources
Classes
Times and locations of unit tutorials can be found on Macquarie University Timetables.
Technology Used and Required
Access to iLearn, to university library databases and a computer to complete written assignments is essential. You will need access to appropriate software in order to complete assignments to a suitable professional level.
Assessments
You must complete all components of this course in order to pass the unit. Work submitted late without extension and/or proof of illness or serious misadventure submitted and approved via Ask.mq will incur a 5% penalty for each day after the due date.
Assignment Submissions
All written work must be submitted to Turnitin, via the link on iLearn. Please make sure your full name and student number appear on the first page of your document. Students should ensure that they can receive emails sent to their MQ email address.
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
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.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.
MMCCS Re-mark Procedure:
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 Re-mark Application
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
- Identify and describe a series of research questions
- Differentiate and discriminate between approaches to research
- Formulate arguments and communicate in written forms at an advanced level
- Demonstrate how these are aligned with the level of the unit (i.e. undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate)
Assessment task
- Research Project Output
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
- Identify and describe a series of research questions
- Develop detailed knowledge of a specific academic field through literature and context reviews
- Differentiate and discriminate between approaches to research
- Analyse and evaluate scholarly research
- Develop oral presentation skills
- Formulate arguments and communicate in written forms at an advanced level
- Demonstrate how these are aligned with the level of the unit (i.e. undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate)
Assessment tasks
- Project Literature Review
- Abstract
- Research Project Output
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
- Develop detailed knowledge of a specific academic field through literature and context reviews
- Differentiate and discriminate between approaches to research
- Analyse and evaluate scholarly research
- Develop oral presentation skills
- Formulate arguments and communicate in written forms at an advanced level
- Demonstrate how these are aligned with the level of the unit (i.e. undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate)
Assessment tasks
- Project Literature Review
- Abstract
- Research Project Output
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
- Develop detailed knowledge of a specific academic field through literature and context reviews
- Differentiate and discriminate between approaches to research
- Analyse and evaluate scholarly research
- Develop oral presentation skills
- Formulate arguments and communicate in written forms at an advanced level
- Demonstrate how these are aligned with the level of the unit (i.e. undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate)
Assessment tasks
- Project Literature Review
- Abstract
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
- Identify and describe a series of research questions
- Develop detailed knowledge of a specific academic field through literature and context reviews
- Differentiate and discriminate between approaches to research
- Analyse and evaluate scholarly research
- Develop oral presentation skills
- Formulate arguments and communicate in written forms at an advanced level
- Demonstrate how these are aligned with the level of the unit (i.e. undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate)
Assessment tasks
- Project Literature Review
- Abstract
- Research Project Output
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
- Identify and describe a series of research questions
- Formulate arguments and communicate in written forms at an advanced level
- Demonstrate how these are aligned with the level of the unit (i.e. undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate)
Assessment task
- Research Project Output