Module Details

Module Code: DESI8009
Title: Visual Culture: Thesis Draft
Long Title: Visual Culture: Thesis Draft
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2018/19 ( September 2018 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2140 - Design Studies
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module guides the student through the first stages of researching and writing a substantial scholarly thesis and the production of a substantial draft. The thesis draft must be in the area of visual culture, which focuses mainly on the social role of practices such as graphic design, typography, film, photography, architecture, interiors and illustration.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Identify and research a topic for a thesis in the field of visual culture
LO2 Plan a focused argument within a field of research, which can be sustained in the student’s own words
LO3 Distinguish the different strands within an argument and structure these into a thesis format as outlined in guidelines given to the student in advance.
LO4 Present a coherent and well developed outline of the thesis, divided into chapters, with a clear account of the research sources and theories on which the argument is to be based
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.
none
 
Indicative Content
Introduction
Approach and guidelines. Selecting an appropriate topic.
Research
Identifying and selecting appropriate visual and textual sources
Methodologies
Individual guidance on identifying a sustainable and focussed argument, distinguishing the different strands, and structuring these into a thesis format as outlined in the guidelines
Writing
The production of a thesis draft, clearly written, coherent and with a substantial and well-developed argument.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Meeting of requirements in the submission of proposal and plan.
Establishment of main research question; selection and identification of relevant primary/secondary sources
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 80
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Written presentation of a draft for a final thesis to be completed in semester 2, with an estimated word count of about 6,000-8,000 words long, or 9-12,000 words if the student chooses to do the 10-credit extended thesis. The draft should include an introduction, chapter breakdown, bibliographic essay, and bibliography, one completed chapter, and proposals for the other chapters.
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 One-to-one guidance Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Thesis research and writing Every Week 13.50 13.5
Total Hours 14.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.50
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Bryan Greetham. (2014), How to Write Your Undergraduate Dissertation (Palgrave Study Skills), Palgrave Macmillan, [ISBN: 9781137389763].
  • Jeanne Godfrey. (2013), How to Use Your Reading in Your Essays (Palgrave Study Skills), Palgrave Macmillan, [ISBN: 9781137294685].
  • Stella Cottrell. (2011), Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument (Palgrave Study Skills), Palgrave Macmillan, [ISBN: 9780230285293].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Lipson, C.. (2007), How to Write a BA Thesis: a Practical Guide from your first ideas to your finished paper (Chicago guides to Writing, Editing and Publishing), Chicago University Press, Chicago, [ISBN: ISBN-13: 9780226481265].
  • Ellie Chambers. (2008), The Arts Good Study Guide, Open University Worldwide, p.400, [ISBN: 0749217081].
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 7 Mandatory