Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

There are many forms of enquiry suited to the diverse range of disciplines which make up the creative industries. These typically fall within the paradigms of critical enquiry research (centred on qualitative, textual, arts media & network analysis) and practice-led research (driven by creative practice in the arts, writing, design and media).

This unit plays a key role in your research degree by introducing you to appropriate forms of enquiry for your own research, and providing you with strategies, frameworks, methods and protocols for designing, implementing and evaluating that research within a Creative Industries context.

Aims

This unit aims to:
1. introduce you to research paradigms, strategies, methods and modes of presentation used in the creative industries;
2. outline and develop the skills necessary for becoming a successful researcher, including academic protocols and advanced information retrieval skills;
3. provide content common across a range of conceptual frameworks and disciplines, as well as connect you to information about specific research approaches related to your particular study.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. identify the paradigms, strategies and methods associated with research in the creative industries
2. construct and deliver a presentation that outlines your research
3. retrieve information using information technology and library resources
4. understand & articulate specific issues that arise around either critical enquiry or practice-led research.

Content

This unit addresses content such as:
1. Research fundamentals and core issues
(what is research? what am I researching? how do I design, conduct and present my research?)
2. Researchprotocols
(ethics, plagiarism, copyright& IP)
3. Research skills in information retrieval and writing
(reflective, written and information-retrieval skills for being a successful researcher)
4. Research strategies and approaches
(suited to your research area of critical enquiry and/or practice-led research)

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

In this unit you will join research students from across postgraduate courses in the Creative Industries Faculty. Lectures address fundamentals, protocols and skills of research, whilst the needs of your particular research area are addressed through presentations and tutorials that focus on critical enquiry, practice-led or hybrid / mixed methods research approachs. The unit is delivered via lectures and tutorials with AIRS (Advanced Information Research Skills) delivered on campus or on-line through QUT Library.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information see the Blackboard site for this unit.

At the completion of this unit, you will be awarded a final grade on a 1 to 7 scale.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Discussion Forum

A face to face tutorial to discuss issues of Copyright, Plagiarism and Ethics in a research higher degree environment will be conducted during and after the presentations togehter with exemplars on these issues.

Relates to Learning Outcomes: 2
Weight: 0%
Due date: date of lectures for this item

Assessment name: Oral Presentation
Description: A short oral presentation (15 minutes, plus 5 minutes question time for Masters students and 20 minutes plus 5 minutes question time for doctoral students), in which you introduce your research topic/question, relevant background, context and sources, research design, (including timeline. and budget as appropriate) and proposed methods. If relevant, you will also raise any budgetry, ethical or copyright considerations.

Criteria for assessment:
* demonstrated understanding of research vocabulary;
* clear relationship between research topic, background, design and methods;
* clarity of expression, and spoken presentation, including use of any multi-media elements.
NOTE: Your supervisors are invited to attend your oral presentation. They will provide written formative feedback against the criteria, but they will not award a grade - your tutor awards the grade.
Relates to objectives: 3
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Second half/semester

Assessment name: Research Paper
Description: A paper (3,000 words) with topic to be selected in consultation with unit coordinator. The topic will critically address an area directly relevant to your research project such as a particular research strategy, a literature or contextual review or a theoretical discussion of a conceptual framework related to your study. Those doctoral students preparing to submit their Stage 2 may submit that document or a section of that as their research paper.

Criteria for assessment:
* demonstrated understanding of the selected subject matter
* capacity for synthesis and critical analysis
* clarity of expression / structural coherency and
* written presentation, including conventions of academic writing.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3 & 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Required Text
Key readings and selected readings for specific approaches will be posted on the Blackboard site at the commencement of the unit and throughout the unit

Recommended References
Recommended readings will be supplied by through tutorials and posted on the Blackboard site.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks for this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 13-Sep-2012