DISSERTATION - 2021/2
Module code: DAN3037
Module Overview
This module equips students with the skills and knowledge required to complete a Dissertation within the field of dance and/or performance studies. The taught coursework for this module is in research methodologies. The majority of the remaining part of the module is tutorial and independently-led and directs students to the completion of a Dissertation. The choice of Dissertation topic may arise from a specific dance or performance interest developed through theoretical and/or practical experience at Levels 4-6 or from professional training at Level P. The topic will be discussed to be devised with appropriate content and parameters and designed to demonstrate the student’s analytical, critical and evaluative skills. It is possible for the Dissertation to be part practical. If this is the case, the written part of the Dissertation will be shorter and may be of a different nature. In this instance, the relative weighting of written and practical work will be negotiated between tutor and student. In all cases, however, the written component must constitute at least 50% of the Dissertation, i.e. 6,000 words or equivalent, and will count for at least half of the marks.
Module provider
Guildford School of Acting
Module Leader
BIRCH Rachel (GSA)
Number of Credits: 45
ECTS Credits: 22.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 6
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 408
Seminar Hours: 14
Guided Learning: 20
Captured Content: 8
Module Availability
Year long
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
N/A
Module content
Indicative content includes:
• Introduction to Research: What is the Purpose of a Dissertation?
• Aspects of Dance Analysis: Research and Bibliography
• Fieldwork & Ethnography: Participant Observation and Interviews
• Academic Integrity and Ethics
• Practice and Research – Pedagogy
• Practice and Research – Choreography
• Refining Your Research Proposal: Towards Hypothesis & Argument
• Dissertation Structure and Plan: How to work in a Study Group
• Academic Writing and Referencing
• Presentation Skills and Feedback
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Project (Group/Individual/Dissertation) | Dissertation Proposal and Plan (including Annotated Bibliography) | 30 |
| Project (Group/Individual/Dissertation) | Dissertation (8000 words) | 70 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate
• Independent research skills
• Understanding of relevant theoretical key concepts and methodologies
• Thorough understanding and application of relevant theories and methodologies
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
• Dissertation Proposal & Plan (30%): outline of dissertation project including critical source commentary
• Dissertation (70%): independent research project/ performance on a topic in dance studies
Formative assessment and feedback
Students receive formative feedback on proposal presentations and discussion as well as their proposal and annotated bibliography from the module convener and personal dissertation tutor.
Module aims
- To equip students with the requisite knowledge and skills to enable them to engage in independent research on a dance-specific topic.
- To support students in the early stages of preparing a Dissertation through research skills training activities, self-directed research tasks and one-to-one tutorials.
- Research and present an extended piece of work on a dance or performance-specific topic, in consultation with a supervisor.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Knowledge of a range of dance disciplines and methodologies | CK |
| 002 | Informed awareness of how to design a self-determined project and to conduct appropriate research, performance, and writing | CKPT |
| 003 | Ability to identify, analyse and critique a variety of appropriate sources with minimum guidance | CKPT |
| 004 | Ability to select and design a research project in an area of specific dance and/or performance interest and, in particular, to determine a clear rationale, appropriate parameters, methodology and structure | CKPT |
| 005 | Ability to locate, organise, and apply a wide range of research materials | CKPT |
| 006 | Ability to take responsibility for managing time and learning autonomously | CKPT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
• Help students identify appropriate study areas and delineation of these in determining a research topic.
• Support the selection and design of appropriate research questions and methodologies
• Introduce data-gathering tools, eg. bibliographic searches; questionnaires; interviews; participant observation.
• Lead students towards designing a Proposal and a Structural Outline for the intended Dissertation project The learning and teaching methods utilise hybrid, on-line, and in-person environments and include:
o Lecture/Seminars
o Independent Study & Study Groups
o Library Sessions
o SPLASH writing skills
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: DAN3037
Other information
Under the three term structure that commences from academic year 2019/0 – this module’s delivery is year-long due to the teaching occurring in Teaching Blocks 1, 2 and 3.
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dance with Theatre and Performance BA (Hons)(YEAR LONG) | Year-long | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Dance BA (Hons)(YEAR LONG) | Year-long | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.