Research Portfolio

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 5
• Convenor: Laura Jacobus
• Assessment: a portfolio of written work, including a piece of visual analysis (1500 words); a bibliography (one to two pages); a review of two pieces of relevant literature (1500 words); a piece of writing on a contextual issue (1500 words); a research question and a plan for a dissertation (500 words). The written work will be a maximum of 5000 words in total (excluding bibliography).

This module aims to bridge the gap between the shorter coursework essays of individual subject modules and the longer dissertation that you are expected to complete by the end of your final year.

At the beginning of the module, you will choose your own research topic, which could become the subject of your dissertation. The module is structured around a series of seminars which will give you the research and bibliographic skills you need to investigate your chosen topic and produce a portfolio of work that is designed to launch your dissertation research.

By the end of this module, you will have:

• acquired knowledge of your chosen topic
• developed the ability to compile a bibliography independently
• built on visual analysis skills developed in other courses by applying them to your research topic
• become familiar with current scholarly debates relevant to your chosen topic
• developed your ability to analyse and interpret evidence
• developed your ability to read critically and analyse the secondary literature
• developed your ability to construct and present coherent arguments orally and in writing
• been encouraged to develop effective skills of presentation and communication
• been encouraged give and receive feedback during presentations to their peers
• increased responsibility for your own learning by undertaking independent research.