Module Details

Module Code: DESI7014
Title: Visual Culture: Dissertation
Long Title: Visual Culture: Dissertation
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2140 - Design Studies
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces students to self-initiated research, criticism, analysis and writing in the field of visual culture. The student chooses a topic which allows scope for critical analysis and discussion of images and their social context, and is guided through the development of a coherent argument using primary and secondary sources.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss and apply current conventions and approaches to writing about visual culture.
LO2 Choose a relevant and suitable topic from the field of visual culture, and identify appropriate visual and textual research sources.
LO3 Write clearly and critically about topics relevant to contemporary discourse in the area of visual culture.
LO4 Present an articulate, coherent, substantial and critical written argument, based on competent visual and textual analysis and evaluation.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
none
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction
How to approach writing about visual culture. Choice of appropriate topic.
Research
Visual and textual sources. A look at the range of sources which could be used, and how to find and use them.
Academic conventions and approaches
Citation and bibliographic conventions, use and presentation of illustrations, abstracts and the presentation of a piece of written work.
Argument and analysis
Structuring an argument, chapter layout, visual and textual critical analysis, writing a conclusion.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Draft of project with well developed introduction, chapter outlines and bibliography
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 60
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Dissertation - written analysis and discussion of a topic selected by the student, researched and presented in accordance with recognised academic guidelines
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Tutorial Contact Group and individual tutorial sessions, with some content delivered through lectures Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Learning Non Contact Research, analysis, writing dissertation Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Dr Bryan Greetham. (2013), How to Write Better Essays (Palgrave Study Skills), Palgrave Macmillan, [ISBN: 9781137293282].
  • Stella Cottrell. (2011), Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument (Palgrave Study Skills), Palgrave Macmillan, [ISBN: 9780230285293].
  • Ellie Chambers and Andrew Northedge. (2008), The arts good study guide, Open University, [ISBN: 978-074921708].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Lupton, Ellen and Miller, Abbott. (1999), Design Writing Research, Writing on Graphic Design, Phaidon, London, [ISBN: 07148 3851 9].
  • Williamson, Judith. (1995), Decoding Advertisements, Ideology and Meaning in Advertising, Marion Boyars Publishers Ltd, London, [ISBN: 0-7145-2615-0].
  • Gillian Rose. Visual Methodologies, Sage Publications Ltd, p.408, [ISBN: 085702888X].
  • Barnard, Malcolm. (2001), Approaches to Understanding Visual Culture, Palgrave, Basingstoke, [ISBN: 0-333-77288-1].
  • Beirut, Michael, Helfland, Jessica, Heller, Steven and Poynor, Rick (eds). (1999), Looking Closer 3, Classical Writings on Graphic Design, Allworth Press, New York, [ISBN: 1 581150229].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_DVICO_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Visual Communications 6 Mandatory